As one of only a few pieces not primarily inspired by Messiaen’s Catholic faith, but by human love as described in the romance of Tristan and Isolde and elsewhere, the Turangalila-symphonie is contextualized in Messiaen’s oeuvre and as a genre piece. Using previously untranslated information from Messiaen’s own description of the work in his Traite, close analysis of the music seeks to demystify some of the complex innovations he made to his musical language, especially in the areas of rhythm and orchestration. This Element pays special attention to the fragmentary and elusive program which is explained with reference to Messiaen’s fascination with surrealism at this time. Information is included on the commission and composition of the piece, its premiere by the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leonard Bernstein, its revision by Messiaen in 1990, and its reception history in both live and recorded performances.
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