Olivier Messiaen - Turangalla-Symphonie (1948/1990)

Easily one of the greatest pieces ever written, “Turangalîla means all at once love song, hymn to joy, time, movement, rhythm, life and death.“ 00:00 I - INTRODUCTION. A bold introduction brings upon the statue theme (0:30) with “the oppressive, terrible brutality of ancient Mexican monuments, has always evoked dread,“ and the delicate flower theme (2:17) (2:50 Piano Solo) 03:43 The vigorous body of the movement, layering several groups: highly rhythmic ostinatos in the woodwinds and strings, a driving 5/8 gamelan, and biting interjections of brass and piano 06:22 II - CHANT D’AMOUR 1 (Love Song 1). A heavy, piercing introduction before (7:01) the body of the movement alternating between a fast, passionate theme, and a beautifully expressive theme in ondes and strings 11:42 The music grows more manic and impassioned, rising to a glorious climax at 13:22 (14:06) 14:39 III - TURANGALÎLA 1. A meditative theme passed between clarinet and ondes. (15:59) A heavy low