An event to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Fatima Olivier Messiaen
LIVRE DU SAINT-SACREMENT
(The Book of the Holy Sacrament)
Gail Archer, Organist
Sunday, October 15, 4:00 pm
Holy Rosary Church
220 West Main Street
Free

Olivier Messiaen was one of the most idiosyncratic composers of the twentieth century, one whose intensely personal compositional language defies classification into any generalized stylistic trend.

Livre du Saint-Sacrement is his last and longest work for the organ. Messiaen was a deeply religious man whose strong Roman Catholic convictions and interest in mysticism set him apart from many of his contemporaries and help to explain his deep and abiding interest in the organ.

Renowned critic and fellow composer Virgil Thomson observed, “What strikes one right off on hearing Messiaen’s pieces is the power they have of commanding attention. They do not sound familiar; their textures, rhythms and harmonies are fresh and strong...It is not possible to come in contact with his music without being aware that one is in the presence of genius.”