Credits:

Tom Winpenny

Description:

Messiaen completed “The Glorious Body” (8.573682) in 1939; in 1944, he discussed the work’s unique writing style in “My Musical Language”; in 1949, he planned to write another work based on a new mode, resulting in two different works. Two different works resulted: “Pentecostal Mass” (completed in 1950) and the “Organ Works” (1951). The “Pentecost Mass” was based on improvisation, while the “Organ Collection” is a meticulously calculated blend of Hindu rhythms and birdcalls. Both of these works radiate a strange beauty that makes the most of the organ’s functions to the utmost limit. The world premiere recording of “Tristan and Isolde: Love Theme” was written in 1945 as the theme for an improvisation. This melody was later used in the song cycle “Halawi. Naxos Japan