The Turangalîla-Symphonie is the central work in Messiaen's trilogy inspired by the legend of Tristan and Isolde, framed by his works Harawi and Cinq Rechants.
Composition History
Messiaen initially delayed his response to the commission for two months due to postal delays and language barriers, as he did not speak English.
Composition History
Messiaen's Turangalîla-Symphonie was commissioned by Serge Koussevitzky, conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, in 1945.
Critical Reception
The premiere of Turangalîla-Symphonie in Boston in 1949 received mixed reactions from critics, with some calling it 'the longest and most futile music within memory'.
Instruments
The orchestration of Turangalîla-Symphonie includes a vast array of tuned and untuned percussion, alongside solo piano and ondes martenot, creating a unique 'erotic opulence'.
Cultural Impact
The lasting popularity of Turangalîla is reflected in Matt Groening's animated sci-fi sitcom Futurama, where the character Turanga Leela is named after the symphony.
Compositional Technique
Messiaen considered the piano solo part in Turangalîla-Symphonie so important and virtuosic that he described the work as 'almost a concerto for piano and orchestra'.
