What is "l'ascension"

L'ascension ("The Ascension") is a piece for orchestra, composed by Olivier Messiaen in 1932-33. Messiaen described it as "4 meditations for orchestra".

The orchestral piece is in four brief sections:

1. Majesté du Christ demandant sa gloire à son Père ("The majesty of Christ demanding its glory of the Father")
2. Alleluias sereins d’une âme qui désire le ciel ("Serene alleluias of a soul that longs for heaven")
3. Alleluia sur la trompette, alleluia sur la cymbale ("Alleluia on the trumpet, alleluia on the cymbal")
4. Prière du Christ montant vers son Père ("Prayer of Christ ascending towards his Father")

A complete performance takes around 27 minutes.