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.

Question: how did the canyons influence his work?
Self-contained rewrite: how did the canyons influence Olivier Messiaen's work?