Prom 13: ‘From the Canyons to the Stars …’ by Messiaen, 从 (2019/2019), 导体 Sakari Oramo, Royal Albert Hall, London, United Kingdom

The ‘wild and colourful beauty’ of Arizona inspired one of the 20th century’s most striking works – a sprawling sonic meditation in which birdsong mingles with desert winds. Sakari Oramo conducts the BBC SO with soloists including Nicolas Hodges. The ‘wild and colourful beauty’ of Utah and Arizona was the inspiration for one of the 20th century’s most singular and extraordinary works, a musical act of ‘praise and contemplation’ painted in the brightest and most vivid of sounds. Olivier Messiaen’s mighty Des canyons aux étoiles … (‘From the Canyons to the Stars …’) is a sonic meditation in which birdsong mingles with desert winds, and the rustling of sand. Sakari Oramo conducts the BBC SO, with pianist Nicolas Hodges and horn player Martin Owen taking the demanding solo parts.