On Friday, February 21, the London Sinfonietta--one of Classicalite's favorite new music ensembles--will perform Olivier Messiaen's chamber masterpiece, Quatuor pour la fin du temps, at Kings Place.

Out of the dark from the U.K. premiere of Georg Friedrich Haas' in vain, all Britons should go experience each of the work's eight, life-affirming movements.

From the opening "Crystal Liturgy" for the full ensemble of clarinet, violin, cello and piano to the final violin and piano duet "Praise to the Immortality of Jesus," regardless of your own religious beliefs (or lack thereof even), Messiaen's work remains compositional skill and aesthetic beauty personified.

Of course, that's probably because of its origin story.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

Join the Discussion