Olivier Messiaen's Opera, Saint Francois d'AssiseIn this comprehensive study of Olivier Messiaen's magnum opus, Saint Franois d'Assise, Vincent Perez Benitez examines the opera from both theological and musical analytical perspectives to ask how Messiaen expresses his Catholic theology through his work. Benitez combines a close reading of the opera score with accounts from Messiaen's associates, studies of Messiaen's birdsong notebooks and other primary documents, and an examination of the