The symphony is one of the best known outings for the ondes Martenot, that ghostly sounding proto-synthesizer invented in the late 1920s. Played here by rare instrument specialist Robert Bloch, the theremin-like sweeps of the ondes first make their presence felt in the second section, or first Chant d'amour. It's also used as one of the main melodic instruments in the Joie du sang des etoiles section.
Throughout, the rest of the orchestra whirls around in great multicolour shades (Messiaen was apparently a synesthete) and four central themes weave in and out at various points. Listening to the 80 minute work for me is like hearing an early form of psychedelia - it's a long, strange trip, but an absolutely beautiful one. The shimmering wonder of L'ascension, four meditations for orchestra (1932-3), which fills out the second CD, has a similar effect despite being an earlier work and more rooted in Messiaen's spiritual ouevre - a different recording can be found here.
Disc 1 link
Disc 2 link
