Dissertation Index
Author: Dellosa, Lerie Grace Title: Messiaen\'s Musical Language: Technique and Theological Symbolism in Les Corps glorieux, \"Combat de la mort et de la vie\" Institution: University of North Texas Begun: January 2014 Completed: October 2015 Abstract: One of the most important ways to understand Olivier Messiaen’s musical language is through the lens of the theological ideas that many of his works convey. He considers expressing his Christian faith to be the primary purpose in his music. Through his idiosyncratic technique, Messiaen gives power and life to his religious music that he combines with his interest in literature, musical analysis, poetic imagery and symbolism, his love for theatre, and his compositional and organ abilities. The abundant studies of Messiaen’s works deal with the intricacies of his musical language, yet most of these studies barely discuss his theological ideas in relation to his technique. Nevertheless, technical analysis of his music poses immense challenges, especially in the domains of melody and harmony. Although my approach is unconventional and do not follow any existing system, I base my technical and theological analyses mainly from Messiaen\'s technique, his commentaries and his references to the Scriptures. The Combat de la mort et de la vie is the heart of Les Corps glorieux in both technical and theological aspects. It is an intricate musical and analytical artwork where Messiaen demonstrates his melodic and harmonic developments using his idiosyncratic language, and through symbolism portrays the most complex of all drama according to Christian theology—the story of Jesus Christ\'s Passion and Resurrection. My research can relate directly to a more informed and convincing performance of the work, and can contribute a different perspective to the study, understanding, and appreciation of Messiaen\'s theologically inspired works. Keywords: Olivier Messiaen, melodic and harmonic analysis, Messiaen\'s musical language, modes of limited transposition, twentieth century analysis, music symbolism, number symbolism, toccata analysis, idiosyncratic music, Les Corps glorieux, Combat de la mort et de la vie TOC: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF ANNOTATED GLOSSARY IN APPENDIX CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2 MESSIAEN’S WORLD IN RELATION TO HIS MUSICAL LANGUAGE Poetry and Literature Christian Faith Paris Conservatoire La Trinité Sound-Color Synesthesia Charm of Impossibilities CHAPTER 3 ASPECTS RELATED TO THE COMBAT DE LA MORT ET DE LA VIE Introduction Overview of the Seven Movements of Les Corps glorieux Messiaen’s Commentaries and Analysis French Organ Toccata Elements CHAPTER 4 FORM AND DESIGN Two Main Parts Three Major Sections in the First Part Binary Sentence in the Second Part Theme-Related Designs CHAPTER 5 ANALYSIS OF THE TOCCATA FIGURATIONS Introduction Alternating Chords Fan-like Movements Distinct Figurations CHAPTER 6 ANALYSIS OF THE THEME STATEMENTS Distinguishing Elements of the Theme Theme Statements in the First Part Theme Statements in the Second Part CHAPTER 7 THEOLOGICAL SYMBOLISM AND INTERPRETATION Messiaen’s Use of Symbolism in the Combat de la mort et de la vie Main Aspects in the Movement Three Main Sections in the First Part Two Main Sections in the Second Part CHAPTER 8 CONCLUSION APPENDIX Annotated Glossary of Messiaen’s Musical Language BIBLIOGRAPHY Contact: leriedellosa@my.unt.edu |