Birdsongs, Structure and Harmonic colour of non-birdsong Subjects in Olivier Messiaen's `La Bouscarle' from Catalogue d'oiseaux
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
This paper analyses `La Bouscarle', a movement from Catalogue d'oiseaux, which is one of the most extensive piano works written by Oliver Messiaen. A distinctive characteristic of this comparatively short movement is the harmonic colour constructed from the composer's mode 3 in the representation of the river theme, serving as an important subject that provides the flow and structure for the entire work. Mode 3, which forms an A major tonality for the river theme and the portrayal of the kingfisher's colour, and also provides a less dissonant harmony different from the harmonies used for habitats presented in other movements of the Catalogue. The soloist, the Cetti's warbler, with its brief and brusque call, produces a contrasting mood with the lyrical chordal river theme. The majority of birdsongs in this work share similar characteristics with the soloist, except the more melodically delicate blackbird, robin, and blackcap, with their calls matching the river theme. It is concluded that the uniqueness of the non-birdsong subjects highlights the significances of `La Bouscarle', and the characteristics of birdsongs in this movement feature similarly in other Messiaen's works.
Keywords
Catalogue d'oiseaux, `La Bouscarle', birdsongs, Harmonic Colour, Oliver Messiaen, Piano works
Publication Title
Musica Hodie
Volume
21
Publisher
Univ Federal GOIAS
Publisher Location
ESCOLA MUSICA ARTES CIENCIAS, PROG POT-GRAD MUSICA, CAIXA POSTAL 131, CAMPUS II-SAMAMBAIA, GOIANIA GO, CEP74001-970, BRAZIL