Birdsongs, Structure and Harmonic colour of non-birdsong Subjects in Olivier Messiaen's `La Bouscarle' from Catalogue d'oiseaux

Loo, Fung Chiat and Loo, Fung Ying (2021) Birdsongs, Structure and Harmonic colour of non-birdsong Subjects in Olivier Messiaen's `La Bouscarle' from Catalogue d'oiseaux. Musica Hodie, 21. ISSN 1676-3939, DOI https://doi.org/10.5216/mh.v21.66562.

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Abstract

This paper analyses `La Bouscarle', a movement from Catalogue d'oiseaux, which is one of the most extensive piano works written by Oliver Messiaen. A distinctive characteristic of this comparatively short movement is the harmonic colour constructed from the composer's mode 3 in the representation of the river theme, serving as an important subject that provides the flow and structure for the entire work. Mode 3, which forms an A major tonality for the river theme and the portrayal of the kingfisher's colour, and also provides a less dissonant harmony different from the harmonies used for habitats presented in other movements of the Catalogue. The soloist, the Cetti's warbler, with its brief and brusque call, produces a contrasting mood with the lyrical chordal river theme. The majority of birdsongs in this work share similar characteristics with the soloist, except the more melodically delicate blackbird, robin, and blackcap, with their calls matching the river theme. It is concluded that the uniqueness of the non-birdsong subjects highlights the significances of `La Bouscarle', and the characteristics of birdsongs in this movement feature similarly in other Messiaen's works.

Item Type: Article
Funders: UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords: Catalogue d'oiseaux; `La Bouscarle'; birdsongs; Harmonic Colour; Oliver Messiaen; Piano works
Subjects: M Music and Books on Music > M Music
Depositing User: Ms Zaharah Ramly
Date Deposited: 10 Mar 2022 02:56
Last Modified: 10 Mar 2022 02:56
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/27564

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