Olivier Messian #7. The war is (almost) over.
Messiaen’s production comes somewhat to a stop after the war. This is probably due to the unsuccesful surgery on his wife in 1944. Her memory is disappearing, which causes him to take care of their 8 year old son Pascal himself. But never mind that. Harawi, a song cycle in Tristan and Isolde style, makes the year 1945 a good one after all. An hour on life and death performed by soprano and piano, what more do you want? The piece is not as well known as the Mahler and Schubert versions, probably because it’s higly abstract and symbolical. Honestly: you have to make an effort with Messiaen, but what’s wrong with a little effort?
Playlist:
- Olivier Messiaen. Harawi, chant d’amour et de mort, for soprano and piano. Rachel Yakar, soprano and Yvonne Loriod, piano
