Saturday, December 8, 2007

Messiaen: "Regarde de Etoile" [The Gaze of the Star] From "Twenty Reflections on the Infant Jesus"



"The fall of Grace: the Star shines innocently, surmounted by a Cross…
Three large crescendi[like fireworks, or rainbows] sweep over the piano keys – in between, the chant of the star and the cross. First in two part presentation, then a single line with “star-cloud chords” above, and finally a chordal presentation."



In this long work for solo piano, a treatise on the Incarnation, The Star and The Cross share the same musical theme and always occur together.

I really consider the entire"Vingt Regard sur L'Enfant Jesus" to be the most intriguing and profoundly theological music since Bach's "St. Matthew's Passion" but don't let that scare you---- it's a fun composition, full of joy and musical fireworks.

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