Performed by horn player Stefan Dohr as an encore following his concerto performance of Strauss's Horn Concerto No 1 with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
Bryce Canyon National Park under the stars on the Navajo Trail Photo: AnthonyTPope ex Wikimedia CC4.0
Olivier Messiaen was commissioned to write Des canyons aux étoiles... (From the Canyons to the Stars) in 1971 to celebrate the bicentenary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
While preparing the work, he visited Utah, where he was inspired by the birds and the landscape, particularly at Bryce Canyon National Park.
The work as a whole is for full orchestra and can take over 90 minutes to perform.
Appel interstellaire (Interstellar Call) is the sixth movement and is a virtuoso turn for french horn solo.
Recorded in Auckland Town Hall, 18 May 2017 by RNZ Concert
