French harpist, Dominig Bouchaud specialises in Breton music, as well as adaptin...(+)
French harpist, Dominig
Bouchaud specialises in
Breton music, as well as
adapting the
possibilities of the Harp
to traditional music. His
Blues is a sublime
sequence of variations
for beginner harpists.
With a typical
performance lasting
around two minutes, the
initial theme is stated
before being varied
through use of semiquaver
flourishes, added chord
notes and harmonics. For
all aspiring, young
harpists, Bouchaud's
Blues provide an
alternative, exciting
work to learn.
Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) is known for his unique composition style. Incorpor...(+)
Olivier Messiaen
(1908-1992) is known for
his unique composition
style. Incorporating
complex rhythms, harmony,
melodies and his passion
for ornithology, his
Opera, St. Francis of
Assisi, is no exception
to the composer's
popular, distinctive
style. Composed between
1975-1983, St. Francis of
Assisi displays the
composer's devout
Catholicism. The work is
in three acts and eight
scenes and both the music
and libretto were written
by Messiaen. St. Francis
of Assisi incorporates
Messiaen's popular
compositional techniques,
such as his modes of
limited transposition,
use of leitmotifs, use of
birdsong and an
instrumentation for a
huge orchestra. This
piece also makes use of
the composer's
synesthesia. St. Francis
of Assisi is essential to
all advanced Opera
companies seeking to
address a modern and
varied performance work.
Saint Francis of Assisi is an opera in 3 acts by Olivier Messiaen. This volume i...(+)
Saint Francis of Assisi
is an opera in 3 acts by
Olivier Messiaen. This
volume is part of the
edition that includes the
books with the full
Orchestra scores, as well
as the explanations,
analysis and comments of
each tableau. It is
focused on the ?Act II,
5. L'Ange musicien? which
describes the appearance
of the ?Musician Angel?
to Saint Francis. This
tableau is introduced by
St Francis on his knees,
next to the cave. Three
themes stand out in the
opening of this tableau:
the Decision, the Joyce
and the Calling. Some
bird songs can be heard,
and the Angel appears in
the light with a Viol and
a bow. The Angel Musician
plays alongside some
birds and leave St
Francis fainting. He is
soon joined by Brother
Leon, Brother Massee and
Brother Bernard who try
to help him. The last
theme played is the Joyce
one with some notes on
the Viol, while the
tableau finishes with the
three Brothers looking at
the sky. Based on the
life of Saint Francis of
Assisi, this opera is set
in Italy and is composed
divided as per below: Act
I: 1. La croix 2. Les
laudes 3. Le baiser au
lepreux Act II 4. L?ange
voyageur 5. L?ange
musicien 6. Le preche aux
oiseaux Act II 7. Les
stigmates 8. La mort et
la nouvelle vie This
opera was played at the
Paris Opera in 1983.
Olivier Messiaen
(1908-1992) was a French
Organist and composer
passionate about
Ornithology and one of
the most important
composers of his century.
Inspired by Japanese
music, he had a very
special way of composing
and his work can be
identified by its
complexity, its diatonic
aspect, its harmony with
limited transposition,
its colour and its
additive rhythms. He
composed many works
related to ornithology
and birdsongs, including
the 'Bird Catalogue' in 7
volumes and the 'Treatise
on rhythm, colour and
ornithology' in 7
volumes.
Modern French composer, Alfred Desenclos (1912-1971) created exceptional works f...(+)
Modern French composer,
Alfred Desenclos
(1912-1971) created
exceptional works for a
variety of instruments.
Aria and Rondo for Double
Bass and Piano, published
in 1952, is no exception.
Desenclos won the 1942
Prix de Rome following
studies at the
Conservatory in Roubaix.
The composer's
compositional style is
highly expressive and
atmospheric, with uses of
extended technique. Aria
and Rondo reflects these
aspects, with a typical
performance lasting about
12 minutes. For all
advanced Double Bass
players, Desenclos's Aria
and Rondo is an exciting,
alternative piece for the
repertoire
