An undiscovered treasure! Recorded in 1966 but never released, are nearly 100 minutes of Messiaen performed by Gillian Weir shortly after she won the St. Alban’s Competition. At the centre of this recital is Les Corps Glorieux and the other pieces display Dame Gillian’s immense command over and total empathy with this music. The 7000+-word notes include an introduction to the recording; detailed notes on the works; and a fascinating article on her association and work with Olivier Messiaen – all by Dame Gillian. Also included, is a technical note on the history of the recording (made in the early hours of the morning on 10 and 11 October 1966, to ensure that any sound of trains was minimised!) and its remastering, by Campbell Hughes, engineer for the original project and remastering engineer for this issue.

OLIVIER MESSIAEN
Le Banquet Céleste
Les Corps Glorieux
Apparition de l’église éternelle
Verset pour la fête de la dédicace
L’Ascension (extracts)

Gillian Weir
at the Organ of the Royal Festival Hall

Recording Engineers: Campbell Hughes, Clive Webster
Recordings: Royal Festival Hall, London, UK, 10 & 11 October 1966
Digital Remastering: Campbell Hughes, Simon Weir, Morgan Roberts (Classical Recording Company, London, UK)