Messiaen

Catalog description

Oliver Messiaen is one of the most influential and eclectic musicians of the 20th century, yet he remains a highly enigmatic figure. This seminar explores Messiaen’s life, theoretical writings, and above all his music. Critical listening and analysis will focus on Messiaen’s idiosyncratic harmonic and rhythmic language as well as performance practice issues. We will investigate Messiaen’s use of color, plainsong, “modes of limited transposition,” birdsong, serialism, and rhythm via representative works. We will also examine Messiaen’s formation and his legacy as teacher/composer/performer. Prerequisite MUSC 0560 .