Based on the account found in the synoptic gospels of Jesus' transfiguration, its writing is on a colossal scale, requiring around two-hundred performers.
The forces required include a mixed choir, seven instrumental soloists and a large orchestra; only being surpassed by his opera Saint François d'Assise.
Messiaen makes extensive use of birdsong throughout the piece, including the songs of the greater honeyguide, Alpine chough, accentor, superb starling, Baltimore oriole, rock thrush, blue mockingbird and peregrine falcon.
The American premiere was held from the 27th till 30th of March 1972 in Washington, D.C. with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Westminster Choir; Antal Dorati was the conductor.
[4] The US West Coast première[5][6] was in 1981 in San Francisco, California, with the Berkeley Symphony and the Contra Costa Chorale under the direction of Kent Nagano.