SongTrellis
Music and Musical Know-how For You

Author:  David Luebbert Posted:  12/4/02; 10:05:53 PM Topic:  Oliver Messiaen L'Ascension Msg#:  3186 (in response to 3182) Prev/Next:  3185/3187 Reads:  1962

Melissa,

   I love that piece but haven't seen any critical or analytic appraisal of it. I know that it started out as a suite to be played on organ back in the 1930s and that Messiaen later orchestrated it for full orchestra. Some of the movements reflect his interest in Indian melody and rhythm and other include ideas derived from bird calls. Every movement calls to mind an image related to Christ's ascension into heaven.

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