"La Nativité" is based on Messiaen's self-developed harmonic system, which uses "Modes of limited transposition" – combinations of notes from the twelve-tone scale that can only be transposed a certain number of times.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Messiaen perceived a genuine inner relationship between sound and color, with different musical modes corresponding to specific colors, such as Mode 1 being red-violet and Mode 4 dark purple.
Composition History
Olivier Messiaen's organ cycle "La Nativité du Seigneur" was composed in Grenoble in 1935.
Recording & Production
The organ-builders, Anders and Jan-Olof Gronlund, were present at the recording sessions for this CD and, at the suggestion of Hans-Ola Ericsson, changed the intonation of the instrument to better suit Messiaen's music.
Compositional Technique
The most striking aspect of "La Nativité" is its rhythm, which incorporates elements from ancient Greek and Indian rhythms, reflecting Messiaen's desire to overcome the predictability of traditional European music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Messiaen consciously strived to overcome the closed and predictable nature of traditional European music, believing these features prevented music from "touching God."
Composer's Artistic Vision
Messiaen's music, especially his organ works, stems from meditation on different aspects of the Catholic faith, which he profoundly affirmed.
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