2014-09-22 17:25:00

Saint Francis: hymns, opera and piano music


(Vatican Radio) We bring you a musical meditation to mark the day the Church remembers  Francis of Assisi on October 4, a popular Saint from who has inspired many composers. Famously his  'Canticle of the Sun' is the basis of a popular hymn: 'All Creatures of our God and King. lift up your voice and with us sing, O praise him, alleluia.'

Rather less well known perhaps are two pieces connected to Francis. The first by the 19th century Hungarian composer, Franz Liszt which paints a sound picture of  Francis preaching to the birds, the second a modern opera by the great French composer Olivier Messiaen.

Listen to this musical meditation presented by music historian Monsignor Philip Whitmore and produced by Veronica Scarisbrick: 

 








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