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"Livre du Saint Sacrement" is a summation of Messiaen's musical and theological persona, a statement of faith and a profound summary of his entire organ "oeuvres". Here he employs the significant compositional techniques of his life's work: modes of limited transposition, Hindu rhythms, Greek rhythms, plainsong, birdsong, "communicable language", and serialism. These elements are used to explore the mysteries of Christian faith, in this, his most massive work for organ. (Part of The Complete Organ Works of Olivier Messiaen by Colin Andrews, LRCD-1163)
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Messiaen's Livre d'Orgue (1951) is a technical tour de' force, demonstrating his complete mastery of Viennese serial technique, while also incorporating complex Hindu rhythmic formula and bird songs. In addition there are several popular early works, "The Celestial Banquet" and "Apparition of the Eternal Church," and three recently discovered pieces that have been rarely heard. (Part of The Complete Organ Works of Olivier Messiaen by Colin Andrews, LRCD-1163)
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A monumental achievement---Colin Andrews is one of only a handful of organists that has recorded Messiaen's complete works for organ. This recording is also the first of Messiaen's complete works to be recorded on American organs, both built by C. B. Fisk. "Andrews is a master at capturing the grandeur, spaciousness and reverence of this music, and he offers new and compelling interpretations. He is not afraid to explore what Messiaen himself described as ‘extremely delicate variations of rhythm and tempo’ – inflections that are intensely personal, impossible to notate or replicate and are frequently captivating. The enormous variety of touches called for across the cycle are worthy of mention, most notably a wonderfully smooth legato...The recording quality is excellent, with Roger Sherman from Loft expertly negotiating the challenge of recording organs in resonant rooms, balancing clarity with spaciousness...Highly recommended." - Sydney Organ Journal
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