Olivier Messiaen: The Music of Faith (The South Bank Show, 1985)

The South Bank Show, season 8, episode 22; 5 April 1985. Filmed from 1982 to 1983. This documentary is in English, with some (translated) French dialogue. (Gold Medal, New York International Film and TV Festival) Description: Olivier Messiaen played a leading role in the evolution of 20th-century music. In this classic interview, the late composer talks on topics such as his love of nature and his fervent Christian faith, two themes that profoundly shaped his work; his views on rhythm and tonal color; his relationship with his mother, the poet Cécile Sauvage; and his professorship at the Paris Conservatoire. Film clips of Messiaen improvising on the organ and notating birdsong for his compositions—plus excerpts of his music, some of which are performed by his wife, the celebrated pianist Yvonne Loriod—provide a deeper appreciation of his special genius. Apologies for the low quality and desynchronised audio. I do not own this video. This has been uploaded under fair use.