VISIONS OF THE AMEN

A project dedicated to the piano cycle of seven pieces written by the famous French composer of the 20th century, Olivier Messiaen. According to the author’s notes, the work is inspired by a quote from Ernest Ello, a Roman Catholic writer of the 19th century — “Amen, word of Genesis, which leads to Revelation; Amen, word of Revelation, which is the consummation of Genesis”. The seven parts of the great composition in the author’s imagination are seven musical visions depicting living beings grateful for the miracle of existence.

Messiaen explains the different roles of the two piano parts: he assigned the primo part “rhythmic difficulties, chord clusters, all that has speed, charm, and quality of sound”. The second part (played by himself) contains “the principal melody, thematic elements, all that demands emotion and strength”.

Today, “Visions of Amen” have a special symbolism, also because they were commissioned for the composer to be performed in Paris under occupation, in the series “Concerts de la Pléiade”. This event, aimed at supporting musicians and uniting the musical community, has been called an act of artistic resistance for a long time.

Artists:

• Oksana Rapita and Myroslav Dragan, piano

Polina Kordovska, introduction

Program:

• Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992). “Visions de l’Amen” for two pianos (1943)