The nature, portrayal of eternity and economic use of non-birdsong subjects in La rousserolle effarvatte, from Catalogue D'oiseaux by Oliver Messiaen
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2025
Abstract
This paper examines the longest work from Catalogue d'oiseaux, La rousserolle effarvatte, focusing on the non-birdsong subjects that depict the nature and habitat of the solo birdsong, the reed warbler. The analysis reveals that Messiaen used the time of day and non-birdsong subjects to structure the work, incorporating elements such as pond music, sunrise and sunset, and flower themes. It also shows that many of the non-birdsong subjects employ Messiaen's harmonic language, including r & eacute;sonance contract & eacute;e, th & egrave;me d'accords, and others, to represent these subjects. Many of the harmonic progressions used in this work appear in previous compositions such as Le Merle Noir (1952), Turangal & icirc;la-Symphonie (1946-48), and Cant & eacute;yodjay & acirc; (1949), indicating Messiaen's economical use of material, which may also explain the significance of his compositions.
Keywords
Oliver Messiaen, Catalogue d'oiseaux, La rousserolle effarvatte, nature, non-birdsong subjects
Divisions
music
Publication Title
Musica Hodie
Volume
25
Publisher
Universidade Federal de Goias
Publisher Location
Av. Esperanca, s/n - Chacaras de Recreio Samambaia, GOIANIA, GOIAS, BRAZIL