Course Description

The course will consider piano and organ works, especially Vingt regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus and Catalogue d'oiseaux (piano) and La Nativité du Seigneur and Les corps glorieux (organ). We will examine these works in a performance practice context illuminated by Messiaen's treatise, The Technique of My Musical Language. Issues will include Messiaen’s modal harmonies, his use of Indian rhythms, and extra-musical influences like his religious faith, his study of bird song, and his sound-color synaesthesia. Students will have the opportunity to explore additional works by Messiaen on their own, both keyboard music and works that include other instruments and voice.