MUSIC

The Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart presents a University of Houston Organ Studio Concert, Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30pm. 

The University of Houston’s Moores School of Music Organ Studio provides a rare performance of the complete La Nativité du Seigneur (The Nativity of Our Lord) by Olivier Messiaen (pictured), one of the most famous avant-garde compositions for Christmas.

La Nativité du Seigneur is a testament to Messiaen's Christian faith, being divided into nine "meditations" inspired by the birth of Jesus. In volume one, Messiaen outlines his inspirations, both theological, instrumental and compositional. As the composer notes in his preface, he sought "The emotion and sincerity first".

The work was written by the composer at the age of 27 years during the summer of 1935 while the composer was in residence at Grenoble near the French Alps.The composer wrote that in addition to theology, the movements were inspired by the mountains, as well as the stained glass windows in medieval cathedrals.

The work was premiered on 27th February 1936 on the organ of La Trinité, Paris.