Defense Date
5-1-2004
Graduation Date
Spring 2004
Availability
Immediate Access
Submission Type
thesis
Degree Name
MM
Department
Music Theory
School
Mary Pappert School of Music
Committee Chair
Robert Shankovich
Committee Member
Ann Labounsky
Committee Member
Judith Bowman
Keywords
Messiaen's organ music, Messiaen's tonal language, organ registration, overtone series and organ registration, registration in Messiaen, registration in theory
Abstract
In this thesis, I examine the organ music of Olivier Messiaen both from the viewpoint of a theorist and as an organist. I assert that not only his influences, but also his in-depth understandings of the mutations stops of the organ and what pitches are produced by using these stops inform Messiaen's music. Furthermore, the organ music requires more than mere visual inspection, but must be aurally experienced because of the registration requirements placed in the score by Messiaen. The utilization of mutations often does not produce concert pitch, but other pitches absent in the score. To demonstrate this I provide numerous musical examples throughout this document. Furthermore, I assert that Messiaen's deliberate use of mutation stops is a part of his musical and harmonic language often overlooked as colorful or mere tone painting.
Format
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Shinew, K. (2004). Understanding the Organ Music of Olivier Messiaen: Optical Illusions Versus Aural Realities (Master's thesis, Duquesne University). Retrieved from https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/1187