Ensemble 360

Inspired by the visionary language of the Apocalypse, the Quartet for the End of Time is imbued with the religious faith that sustained Olivier Messiaen under the most arduous circumstances. Messiaen was a prisoner of war at a camp in Silesia during the winter of 1940–41, as were three other French musicians who made up his quartet. Manuscript paper was provided by one of the guards, and the camp authorities found a piano for Messiaen. The first performance took place in the camp's makeshift theatre on a bitterly cold evening in January 1941, to an audience of fellow-prisoners. Part of Love and War Music in the Round’s Festival of World Class Chamber Music.

Runs approx. 55mins with no interval.