Quatuor pour la fin du temps, mvmt 2 Flashcards
in what unusual circumstances was this song written?
written while in a POW camp.
What are the performing forces, and why?
The unusual quartet was formed by Messiaen meeting three other recognized musicians who were imprisoned as well, and once they were able to acquire instruments he played the piano part.
violin, clarinet, cello, and piano
What is the title of movement II?
Vocalise pour l’ange qui annonce la fin du temps” “Vocalise for the angel who announces the end of time”.
Structure of movement
ABA1
describe the biblical influence of this piece
based on the revelation of St. John chapter 10, descriptions of a mighty angel who is depicted cloaked in the elements and speaking with a voice of thunder
Describe section A. What is it marked? What does the piano and string part sound like?
marked “robust, with a moderate tempo”
dissonant, majestic chords played on the piano, aggressive string passages, clarinet trills and runs marked “fairly lively, joyous”. An ascending piano passage and clarinet bursts conclude the section
Describe section B and how it differs from section A. What creates the contrast?
it’s marked “rather slow, imperceptible, distant”. Has a lyrical, tender character, although it is also very eerie.
To create this character, the strings are marked “sourdine” or to play with a mute. It is also marked pp.
Describe two other styles that can be found within section B
Impressionist style is recalled through the parallel chord streams, and the conjunct piano lines suggest chant and organum
What is a very unique marking that can be found in section B
in the piano part, the composer refers to the continuous sixteenth notes as “water droplets in the rainbow”
Describe how section A changes upon its return (A1).
the fast tempo and disjunct quality return, but it is abbreviated. The motives reverse the direction from the opening section and strings descend.
