A Number of Birds in the Trees of Life

This work was commissioned by Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra for its 150th anniversary. Messiaen wrote and orchestrated the composition between 1987 and 1991 (New York first performance November 5, 1992). It consists of a series of meditations on the hereafter and heavenly Jerusalem. Christ is not he only one constantly present in these meditations, but also the heavenly bodies, the stars, the colors of the precious stones of heavenly Jerusalem, and birds. The score features large numbers of birds from every continent. Outstanding: Klassik-heute. Recommended: Classics Today France.