Olivier Messiaen

Robert Sholl's biography of Olivier Messiaen offers fresh perspectives on his life, ideas, and music, combining biography, musicology, theology, philosophy, psychoanalysis, and aesthetics. It explores the profound impact of Messiaen's devout Catholicism, his work as a church organist, his engagement with birdsong, his interaction with Surrealism, and his influence on major musical figures of the latter twentieth century. It also considers the perspectives of Messiaen's contemporaries and students, providing a comprehensive understanding of his life and artistic legacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2024
Publisher: Reaktion Books

Olivier Messiaen, a French composer, organist, and ornithologist, has left an indelible mark on the twentieth century with his innovative and groundbreaking music. In this captivating biography, Robert Sholl delves into the life, ideas, and music of Messiaen, drawing on previously unexplored sketches and archival material. Sholl seamlessly combines elements of biography, musicology, theology, philosophy, psychoanalysis, and aesthetics to present a nuanced perspective on Messiaen's work.

One of the key themes explored in this book is Messiaen's devout Catholicism, which profoundly influenced his music. Sholl examines how Messiaen's religious beliefs shaped his approach to composition, particularly his use of religious themes and symbols. He also explores how Messiaen's engagement with birdsong, particularly the birds of the French countryside, influenced his musical style.

Messiaen's interaction with Surrealism is another significant aspect of this biography. Sholl explores how Messiaen's surrealist influences shaped his compositions, particularly his use of dissonance and repetition. He also examines how Messiaen's surrealist ideas influenced his philosophical and theological views.

In addition to his musical achievements, Messiaen's influence on major musical figures of the latter twentieth century is also explored. Sholl discusses how Messiaen's innovative techniques and compositions inspired other composers, such as John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen. He also examines how Messiaen's music has been interpreted and performed in different contexts, including in churches and concert halls.

One of the strengths of this biography is its comprehensive approach to Messiaen's life and artistic legacy. Sholl includes interviews with Messiaen's contemporaries and students, providing a unique insight into his personality and artistic process. He also includes detailed analyses of Messiaen's compositions, including his most famous works such as "Quartet for the End of Time" and "La Mer."

However, this biography is not without its challenges. Sholl's writing style can be dense and difficult to follow at times, particularly for those who are not familiar with the technical aspects of music. Additionally, some of the information presented in the book may be controversial or difficult to accept, particularly for those who are not religious or who have a different perspective on Messiaen's music.

Despite these challenges, this biography is a valuable addition to the literature on Olivier Messiaen. It offers fresh perspectives on the composer's life, ideas, and music, and provides a comprehensive understanding of his influence on the twentieth century. Whether you are a music lover or a scholar, this book is sure to inspire and challenge you.

In conclusion, Robert Sholl's biography of Olivier Messiaen is a groundbreaking work that offers fresh perspectives on the life, ideas, and music of this twentieth-century composer, organist, and ornithologist. Drawing on previously unexplored sketches and archival material, Sholl seamlessly combines elements of biography, musicology, theology, philosophy, psychoanalysis, and aesthetics to present a nuanced perspective on Messiaen's work. This book is a valuable addition to the literature on Messiaen and is sure to inspire and challenge you.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789148657