The 20th century French composer Olivier Messiaen was a devout Roman Catholic and notably claimed that his music was an expression of his faith. Unsurprisingly; many performers and listeners consider Messiaens strong religiosity central to their appreciation of the composers music. Music scholars have devoted much energy to exploring how Messiaens music was an extension of his religious beliefs. Yet; these works tend to discuss Messiaens Catholicism solely in terms of personal religious identity and ignore the composers broader connections to the cultural landscape of Roman Catholicism in France.In Olivier Messiaen: Texts; Contexts; and Intertexts (1937-1948) the late French literature scholar Richard Burton examines nine of Messiaens works in the context of the broader French Catholic intellectual tradition. Drawing on an expansive knowledge of the Catholic literature and the surrealist tradition; Burton reveals that Messiaens middle-period compositions are filled with intertextual references to the Bible and other theological writings; which Messiaen; given his reputation for falsifying facts; may have gone to great lengths to obscure. As a Catholic; Messiaen is presented as somewhat removed from the ethos of his time and place; taking no part in the social side of Catholicism that found expression in the P?tainist litany of Patrie; Famille; Travail. Rather; Messiaen regarded himself as having a vertical relationship with God; which could make him seem unworldly and even uncaring. With insights into the artistic careers of Messiaens notable contemporaries and historical perspectives on the breakdown of French politics during World War II; Burton creates a vivid picture of the previously unexamined spiritual and philosophical inspirations behind Messiaens pivotal mid-century compositions.
#3753255 in eBooks 2016-07-05 2016-07-05File Name: B01LEV9A18
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