A Hidden Theology: Pitch Association and Symbolism in Olivier Messiaen's "Meditations sur le Mystere de la Sainte Trinite"
Item
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Title
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A Hidden Theology: Pitch Association and Symbolism in Olivier Messiaen's "Meditations sur le Mystere de la Sainte Trinite"
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:67ea12b97334:10855
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identifier
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10537
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Creator
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Leigh, Jeff,
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Contributor
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Philip Lambert | David Olan
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Date
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2010
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Music | Theology | Meditations | Messiaen | Music Analysis | Mystery | Trinity
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Abstract
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Messiaen's Meditations sur le Mystere de la Sainte Trinite (1969) was a late work written for organ solo. The composition developed from Messiaen's improvisations, performed alongside Trinitarian sermon-lectures at La Trinite in Paris. The most unique aspect of this composition is the literal language (music-alphabet and leitmotif grammar---nouns, verbs, and cases) Messiaen developed for the piece. Messiaen described this as his langage communicable "communicable language.";Messiaen created this language to convey specific theological ideas about the Trinity. Each meditation exists to communicate Christian theology from specific texts (biblical and non-biblical). There are many types of leitmotif and each employs these texts in different ways. Because of this, the analysis accounts for both musical and written relationships.;Because Messiaen attaches symbolic meaning to his leitmotifs, not simply his modes, a study focusing solely on the pitch aspect is needed to compare how these leitmotifs inter-relate. The study of pitch transformation, relationship, and resultant communication is a logical research departure for this unique composition. Through this investigation, the understanding of Messiaen's leitmotivic associations will further unveil the depth of his communicable language and its theological message.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Music
