O Sacrum Convivium (1937)

Program notes

O Sacrum Convivium was written by Olivier Messiaen in 1937 for four-part mixed chorus. Several iterations of the work came to be, including an optional organ accompaniment and a version for solo soprano and organ, before being officially listed as a piece for mixed chorus a cappella in 1986. Arranged by Lacopo for electric guitar in 2020, this version uses the extended range guitar and electronic processing to re-create the grandiose world of this piece. From octave pitch shifters for added density, chorus modulation for subtle de-tuning effects, and granular delays to replicate Messiaen’s fascination with bird song, Lacopo’s arrangement dives into the creative landscape of Messiaen’s imagination to explore this work in a new light.

— Emmanuel Jacob Lacopo

Composer

Year of composition

(1937)

Instrumentation

arranged for 7-string electric guitar and electronics

Concerts par oeuvres

Performances

Season Date Concert Member(s)
2023-24 INSTRUMENTS OF HAPPINESS // LA GUITARE, LA RELÈVE Bradyworks / Instruments of Happiness