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ecarroll · 06-09-2008, 08:14 PM

B.U.M.,

I'm not arguing that Messiaen's music is Mahlerian in any fashion, other than the size and scope of his compositions. Mahler was a unique man in a unique time and able to look back at Schubert lieder and Beethoven structure while looking ahead to the 20th century, both harmonically and via his orchestration (off-stage bands, boy's choir, klezmer music, the hammer of doom -- the ridiculous often juxtaposed next to the sublime: Mahler's "signature", to my ear).

Mahler was a forward looker who occasionally and nostalgically looked back. Messiaen looked forward with each step of the way. I cherish the music of the former and celebrate the latter.

Best,
EC

06-09-2008, 08:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
ecarroll Artist in Residence Forte User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NH/CA/PQ Posts: 1,701	Re: "Have patience and listen. . . B.U.M., I'm not arguing that Messiaen's music is Mahlerian in any fashion, other than the size and scope of his compositions. Mahler was a unique man in a unique time and able to look back at Schubert lieder and Beethoven structure while looking ahead to the 20th century, both harmonically and via his orchestration (off-stage bands, boy's choir, klezmer music, the hammer of doom -- the ridiculous often juxtaposed next to the sublime: Mahler's "signature", to my ear). Mahler was a forward looker who occasionally and nostalgically looked back. Messiaen looked forward with each step of the way. I cherish the music of the former and celebrate the latter. Best, EC Last edited by ecarroll; 06-10-2008 at 04:31 PM.