Poèmes pour Mi
| Poèmes pour Mi | |
|---|---|
| Song cycle by Olivier Messiaen | |
 The Dauphiné, a region that inspired the author | |
| Text | Poem by the composer |
| Language | French |
| Composed | 1936–1937 |
| Dedication | Claire Delbos |
| Scoring |
|
Poèmes pour Mi (Poems for Mi) is a song cycle for dramatic soprano and orchestra by Olivier Messiaen, composed in 1936 to 1937 and dedicated to the composer's first wife, Claire Delbos. There is also a version for soprano and piano. The text is a poem by the composer.
History
Messiaen composed the work in 1936 to 1937, setting his own poem in several sections, devided in two books (livres). He dedicated it to his first wife, Claire Delbos.[1] It is one of three major song cycles, with Harawi and Chants de Terre et de Ciel, and the only one intended for orchestra. In this work, the rhythmic language uses very irregular durations, and certain processes dear to the author: added values, added points, non-downgradable rhythms, rhythmic canons, plus some borrowings from Greek metrics and Hindu rhythmics. The "Mi" syllable of the title is a word of affection, imitating a diminutive, and under which is hidden the name of the dedicatee: Claire Delbos.
The first performance took place at the salle Gaveau in Paris on 4 June 1937. The soprano Marcelle Bunlet[2] was accompanied by the orchestra of the Société des Concerts du Conservatoire, conducted by Roger Désormière. Messiaen also made a version for soprano and piano.
Structure
First Book
- 1. Action de grâces
- 2. Paysage
- 3. La Maison
- 4. Épouvante
Second Book
- 5. L'épouse
- 6. Ta voix
- 7. Les deux guerriers
- 8. Le collier
- 9. Prière exaucée
Scoring
The work is scored for soprano solo, four flutes, three oboes (also Cor Anglais), two clarinets, three bassoons, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, percussion (three players) and strings.
Recordings
- Piano version: Lise Arseguet,[3] with Messian at the piano
- Françoise Pollet, Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Pierre Boulez, Deutsche Grammophon
- Piano version: Maria Oràn,[4] with pianist Yvonne Loriod. (Erato Records, 1988)
References
- ^ "Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) / Poèmes pour Mi (1936-1937) / pour grand soprano dramatique et orchestre" (in French). French National Library. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
- ^ Marcelle Bunlet on BnF
- ^ Lise Arseguet on BnF
- ^ Maria Oràn on BnF
External links
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
