On December 18th 2019, I was privileged to hear virtuoso San Francisco organist JONATHAN DIMMOCK play this extraordinary 1935 work by French composer OLIVIER MESSIAEN at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California.
To call it “symphonic“ in scale and scope is an understatement. At over two hours in nine sections, it is longer, more varied and more dramatic than all but the most monumental symphonies.
The astonishing tonal creativity and spiritual depth of Messiaen’s music;
The extensive voices and vast power of the bilaterally symmetric "stereophonic" Conroy Memorial Organ;
The magnificent immersive acoustics of the cathedral that amplify and reverberate the instrument, creating mystical structures in the air;
All that, and Jonathan Dimmock’s deep insight into the soul of Messiaen’s music and wide-ranging, free, masterful performance.
It came together in a sublime musical and sonic experience: the finest live concert sound I’ve ever heard.
:: SH
12.19.2018
https://open.spotify.com/album/5TCwJo7od1h794HRQdaTHD?si=t7-e2-3eSmilwa61jYbQ4A
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