Performing Messiaen's Organ Music 66 Masterclasses [Hardcover]

Olivier Messiaen (19081992) was the most influential composer for the organ in the 20th century. Shaped by French tradition as well as the innovations of Debussy, Stravinsky, and Bart?k, Messiaen developed a unique style that would become his signature. Using Messiaen's own analytical and aesthetic notes as a point of departure, Jon Gillock offers detailed commentary on the performance of Messiaens 66 organ works. Gillock provides background information on the composition and premiere of each piece, a translation of Messiaen's related writings, and a systematic explanation of performance considerations. Gillock also supplies details about the organ at La Trinit? in Paris, the instrument for which most of Messiaens pieces were imagined.

Performing Messiaens Organ Music is a significant contribution to both the Messiaen literature as well as to performance practice in general. . . . [T]hrough his numerous interpretative insights about Messiaens organ works, Gillock has shown himself to be not only a first-rate artist but also a fabulous teacher of a music whose beauty and grandeur reflect the qualities of the French Romantic-symphonic organ school from which it emerged.16.1 2011[This] book . . . has been acclaimed for its exhaustive scope and insights. Nov. 16, 2011Drawing on intensive experience with the music and his close relationship with Messiaen, the author provides organists and others interested in this music with an engaging, accessible narrative that sheds much new light on Messiaen's complex music, which has confounded performers for many years. . . . Highly recommended.July 2010Gillock excels at conveying his understanding of the meaning and spirit of the pieces, and this aspect forms the core of the book. . . . With the most complete primary-source guide in English to the performance of this music, Gillock presents an invaluable and deeply felt manual. . . . [He] . . . imparts vividly in words the involvement and passion the performer needs inl£r