The Nativity of the Lord / The Birth of the Savior e. Olivier Messiaen

La Nativité du Seigneur / The Nativity of the Lord 

by Olivier Messiaen

Organ recital on Boxing Day, December 26, at 5:00 PM.

Hallgrímskirkja organist Björn Steinar Sólbergsson performs one of the most famous organ works of all time: the magnificent La Nativité du Seigneur, or The Nativity of the Lord. Nine meditations for organ by Olivier Messiaen. 

La Nativité du Seigneur, “The Nativity of the Lord,” is undoubtedly Olivier Messiaen’s best-known and most frequently performed work for organ. As its name suggests, it tells of the events of Christmas, and Messiaen dedicated the work especially to Mary, Mother of God. The work consists of nine meditations, bringing to life familiar themes from the Christmas story: Mary sings a lullaby to the newborn Jesus; the joyful song of the angels, the heavenly hosts; the shepherds rejoice, dancing and playing their pipes; the Magi’s camel train moves through the darkness of night, following the Star of Bethlehem; and the Magi bow in reverence before the newborn Saviour. The work also explores profound theological ideas in movements such as The Promise, The Word, Jesus Accepts Suffering and The Children of God.

The piece was composed in Grenoble in 1934 and marked a turning point in Messiaen’s compositional career. It was by far his longest organ work to date, and introduced innovations that would set him apart among composers.

Tickets available at Hallgrímskirkja and at tix.is

Admission: ISK 3,900

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA – YOUR PLACE IN DECEMBER