Filmography
Olivier Messiaen: The Cristal Liturgy (2007). A film by Olivier Mille. Juxta DVD 9DS44 ($24.95). Available from Naxos. Web site includes short clip.
Comprehensive 12-page booklet contains authoritative essay, discography, photos and biographies in English. Bonus feature: Musicians and composers talk about Messiaen's work (excerpts from the film series Des canyons aux étoiles, the World of Olivier Messiaen, directed by Olivier Mille). Subtitles: French, English, German; Running time: 107 mins.
Apparition of the Eternal Church (2006). A film by Paul Festa. The film's website can be found here. Web site includes short clip.
Le charme des impossibilités (The charm of impossibilities) (2007). A film by Nicolas Buenaventura Vidal; Gloria Films Ina Les Films du Rat.
Synopsis: A film about Quartet for the end of time that Olivier Messiaen composed during the he was in Stalag VIIIa: the particular stories, anecdotes, the mysteries which surround creation of this fundamental piece in the history of contemporary music. Describing the capacity of Messiaen, capacity of a human being, to create in the most unfavourable circumstances: the charm of impossibilities.Messiaen: Music of Faith (1984). Films Media Group, Item# 10323, 79 Min., DVD $149.95, VHS $149.95.
Synopsis: 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. Web site includes short clip.