Conversation so far:
what does st.
francis have to do with olivier messiaen?
In 1971, he was asked to compose a piece for the Paris Opera.
What was the piece he composed?
While reluctant to undertake such a major project, he was persuaded in 1975 to accept the commission and began work on his Saint-Francois d'Assise.
what are the canyons?
work to celebrate the U.S.
bicentennial.
He arranged a visit to the US in spring 1972, and was inspired by Bryce Canyon in Utah, where he observed the canyon's.
how did the canyons influence his work?
he observed the canyon's distinctive colours and birdsong.
what does transfiguration have to do with him?
Messiaen's next work was the large-scale La Transfiguration de Notre Seigneur Jesus-Christ.
what was significant about that work?
The composition occupied him from 1965 to 1969 and the musicians employed include a 100-voice ten-part choir, seven solo instruments and large orchestra.
what instruments did he use in his compositions?
CANNOTANSWER.
What was the beyond?
Although in considerable pain near the end of his life (requiring repeated surgery on his back) he was able to fulfil a commission from the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Question: what was he commissioned to do?
Self-contained rewrite: what was Olivier Messiaen commissioned to do?