Vlaams Radio Orkest - David Atherton

The Flemish Radio Orchestra, conducted by David Atherton, is tackling Olivier Messiaen's imposing Turangalîla Symphony. In his 'Traité de rythme, de couleur, et d'ornithologie', the composer wrote that 'the Turangalîla Symphony is a love song, a hymn to superhuman, overwhelming, blinding and boundless joy. Love is fatal, irresistible, all-transcending, ...'. This symphony demands everyone's attention by its ingenious accumulation of rhythmic figures - including the turangalîla from the Hindu music tradition - and its extremely fine and diversified range of timbres. Those who can give it this attention and be carried along by its breathtakingly ecstatic vision can expect a miracle. Keep an ear open for the agreeable ondes martenot, an instrument from the pioneering days of electronic music.