Olivier Messiaen / Tashi

Quartet for the End of Time

★★★★

Messiaen's quartet composition for the end of time fits quite well with the context of this piece and what many could interpret as an end and rebirth to everything. Supposedly Messiaen was stuck in a prison camp during the second World War when he composed this and had it performed. I really wonder what that would've been like to see and hear. Also this quartet is not the usual classical quartet; it's made up of a clarinet, piano, violin, and cello. Almost jazz-like in its instrumental choices. 

From its bird song-like and organic beginning, the end of time seems somewhat far away, but nearly foreshadowed. The second movement starts and ends in this tense and very faced paced phrase while the rest of the time the piano and violin seem to meander, scouring the land. The third movement is a solo clarinet piece, which is really unique and ear grabbing. The clarinet seems to also be searching, without any reward to speak of. the 4th movement which consists of everyone but the piano reminds me of a folk dance, filled with happiness and childhood nostalgia; without a care in the world. 

The fifth and eighth movements to me, represent the title of this whole work best. the fifth with cello and piano, while the eighth replaces the cello with violin. While they both are mournful and clear as day, there are different feelings I associate with both movements. The fifth is completely forlorn, without any hope of redemption or salvation, everything's doomed and we all know it. Then the eighth movement, reminds us that everything begins again, there are only cycles. What burns will be replaced, there is no true destruction. 

Messiaen has been a composer that I have greatly admired so far, the subtle micro-emotions that he contributes are powerful to me. Much more than say a piece that was inherently melancholy or joyous. There are important stories behind what he provides, and I intend to hear them all. 

Favorite Song: Louange à l'Immortalité de Jésus