Olivier Messiaen: Colours of the infinite

Available for 25 days

Kate Molleson and Gillian Moore present BBC Radio 3's series exploring the pivotal 'modern' musical works of the 20th century, the groundbreaking composers who created them, and the radical cultural and artistic movements which gave rise to them. In this episode, Gillian explores the worlds of colour, ecstasy and birdsong to be found in the music of Olivier Messiaen, leading to a full listen to one of his most radicals pieces: 1960’s Chronochromie. We will find out how Messiaen passed on his belief in the importance of light and colour to his students; discover a world of complexity which gave birth to a new musical movement; and meet the 'greatest of all organists' sitting at the keys of the organ of La Madeleine, Paris. Produced by Sam Phillips A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'ask BBC Sounds to play 20th Century Radicals'.