Composer

:

Olivier Messiaen

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Arrangement

Compose Date

:

1932 - 1933

Average_duration

:

24:24

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

L'Ascension is a four-movement suite for organ, composed by Olivier Messiaen in 1932. The piece was premiered on May 23, 1934, at the Église de la Sainte-Trinité in Paris, where Messiaen was the organist. The suite is dedicated to his teacher, Marcel Dupré. The first movement, "Majesté du Christ demandant sa gloire à son Père" (The Majesty of Christ Asking His Father for His Glory), is a grand and majestic piece that begins with a powerful chord progression and builds to a climax with a series of ascending arpeggios. The movement is characterized by its use of complex harmonies and rhythms, as well as its use of the full range of the organ. The second movement, "Alléluias sereins d'une âme qui désire le ciel" (Serene Alleluias of a Soul Longing for Heaven), is a peaceful and contemplative piece that features a simple melody played in the upper register of the organ. The movement is characterized by its use of soft dynamics and its use of the organ's expressive capabilities. The third movement, "Transports de joie d'une âme devant la gloire du Christ qui est la sienne" (Transport of Joy of a Soul Before the Glory of Christ Which Is Its Own), is a lively and energetic piece that features a fast and intricate melody played in the upper register of the organ. The movement is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and its use of the organ's reed stops. The final movement, "Prière du Christ montant vers son Père" (Prayer of Christ Ascending to His Father), is a solemn and meditative piece that features a simple melody played in the lower register of the organ. The movement is characterized by its use of soft dynamics and its use of the organ's pedal stops. Overall, L'Ascension is a masterful work that showcases Messiaen's unique style and his mastery of the organ. The suite is characterized by its use of complex harmonies and rhythms, as well as its use of the full range of the organ. It is a challenging piece to perform, but it is also a rewarding one, both for the performer and the listener.

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