This powerful score written in the summer of 1930 has as its program Christ's sacrifice. forgotten by man in sinful acts and "remembered" through the rites of the church, specifically the Eucharist. The "Trés lent" section at the onset contains long, deeply mournful (profondément triste) yet richly romantic string melodies. This is shockingly interrupted by the furious "Vif" (lively) section, a despairing, desperate and breathless cry of spirit in a sinful state. The last "Extremement lent" (Extremely slow) section, "avec une grande pitié et un grand amour" (with great pity and great love) recalls the transcendental mood of the "Dwelling in Love" and "Christ, Light of Paradise" sections of Messiaen's last completed work "Éclairs sur l'Au-Delà". A remarkable musical statement of belief by a composer still barely in his 20's.

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