Messiaen: St. Francis of Assisi - Act II Scene 6

A 4-hour French opera in 3 acts & 8 scenes by composer & librettist Olivier Messiaen, written from 1975 to 1983. This is the première performance in 1983, conducted by Seiji Ozawa with the orchestra & chorus of the Théâtre national de l'Opéra de Paris, José van Dam as St. Francis. The opera is set in 13th century Italy. Throughout the work one must see the progress of grace in the soul of Saint Francis. Act II Scene 6 - The Sermon to the Birds Messiaen's love for birds factored heavily into the opera's score. The composer traveled to the saint's native Assisi, as well as New Caledonia, to research and record birdcalls of several local species, later transcribing them into melodies for use as musical themes attached to particular characters. Messiaen's full orchestration requires a vast number of musicians, to name a few, 7 flutes (3 picc + 3fl + 1 alto fl) 7 clarinets (2 Eb Cl + 3 Cl + 1 B.Cl + 1 Contrabass Cl), 3 Ondes Martenot, etc. and 100-voice choir in 10 parts