Olivier Messiaen: Les Corps Glorieux 1: Organ: Instrumental Work

The Glorious Bodies, by Olivier Messiaen is a composition that depicts his Roman Catholic faith. Written for organ in 1939, it is a mix between Indian music and Gregorian Plainsong. This third volume includes the final threepieces of the whole composition: 5. Force et agilité des Corps Glorieux, 6. Joie et clarté des Corps Glorieux and 7. Le Mystère de la Sainte-Trinité. This piece is divided into 7 sections: 1. Subtilité des Corps Glorieux 2. Leseaux de la Gr ce 3. L'ange aux parfums 4. Combat de Mort et de la Vie 5. Force et agilité des Corps Glorieux 6. Joie et clarté des Corps Glorieux 7. Le Mystère de la Sainte-Trinité. Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) was a Frenchorganist and composer who was also 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 itscomplexity, its diatonic aspect, its harmony with limited transposition, its colour and its additive rhythms. He composed many works related to ornithology and birdsong, including the Bird Catalogue in 7 volumes and the Treatiseon Rhythm, Colour and Ornithology in 7 volumes. / Orgue / Leduc

Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) is known for his unique composition style. Incorporating complex rhythms harmony melodies and his passion for ornithology Les Corps Glorieux is no exception to the composer's popular distinctive style. Composed in the summer of 1939 the work was completed one week before the breakout of WWII therefore the first performance did not come until 1945. Being one of Messiaen's earlier works Les Corps Glorieux for Organ represents the evolution of the composer's musical language. Part 2 contains the fourth movement Battle between death and life whichincorporates the influence of Indian music and Gregorian chant as heard throughout the work. Les Corps Glorieux is essential to advanced organists and seeking to address a modern and varied performance work.