Olivier Messiaen's Catalogue d'oiseaux: From Conception to Performance

Roderick Chadwick and Peter Hill provide a detailed account of the evolution of Olivier Messiaen's Catalogue d'oiseaux for piano solo, from its initial conception in 1953 to its completion and premiere in 1960. They explore how Messiaen translated nature into music and consider issues of performance and his artistic relationship with Yvonne Loriod. The book offers insights into the Catalogue's historical significance, its transformation of mimicry into music of mesmeric originality, and its guide for listeners and performers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Roderick Chadwick and Peter Hill provide a comprehensive account of the evolution of Olivier Messiaen's Catalogue d'oiseaux for piano solo, spanning from its initial conception in the Black Forest in 1953 to its completion and premiere at the Parisian Concerts du Domaine Musical at the end of the decade. Through meticulous examination of the composer's birdsong cahiers, they elucidate how Messiaen seamlessly translated nature into music, exerting a profound influence on his subsequent compositions. They also delve into issues of performance, exploring Messiaen's artistic relationship with his dedicatee and future wife, Yvonne Loriod, including the significance of her two recordings of the cycle. This book offers a multifaceted perspective on the Catalogue, shedding light on its historical significance, as a study of how mimicry of nature can be transformed into music of mesmerizing originality, and as a valuable guide that provides a wealth of fresh insights to both listeners and performers.

ISBN-13: 9781009247672