Messiaen, O.: Nativite Du Seigneur (La)

Featuring

Inge Bønnerup
Olivier Messiaen

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Compositional Technique

In the 1930s and 1940s, Messiaen developed his own scales, which he called "modes with limited transpositions," creating melodies and harmonies distinct from traditional major/minor music.

Instruments

The organ in Holy Trinity Church, Copenhagen, where this recording was made, features a Baroque facade from 1731 but was rebuilt in 1977 to accommodate both Romantic and contemporary organ literature.

Compositional Technique

Messiaen integrated diverse global musical elements into his compositions, including Indian rhythms, South American melodies, Balinese gamelan, Japanese gagaku music, and birdsong from five continents.

Performer Biography

Inge Bønnerup, the Danish organist on this recording, has performed extensively across Scandinavia, England, Germany, France, Italy, and Australia since her debut in 1964.

Composer's Artistic Vision

After 1950, birdsong became Messiaen's most important source of inspiration; he considered birds his greatest teachers and transcribed their songs into musical notation.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Messiaen's music is deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, with his works serving as a declaration of faith and an attempt to make it intelligible to others.