Messiaen, Olivier. (1908–1992)
Important Autograph Letter
An important autograph letter signed by Olivier Messiaen (“Messiaen”), April 3rd 1940, to the composer André Jolivet. At the head of the page the composer writes his name in full, as “Soldier Olivier Messiaen, Musical and Theatrical Centre of the Army”.The composer opens by noting that “You can see from the address above that I am less unhappy – although nothing can replace my wife, my little Pascal, my composition, all those things that constitute my rainbow!” He goes on, “Combat de l’amour et de la vie is simply one part of a series of pieces for organ which followed my Nativité and remained incomplete last September… This work is called Le Corps glorieux and comments on different qualities: impossibility, subtlety, agility, clarity of the resurrected body according to a dogma of the catholic faith which has always haunted my imagination and my secret desire to be less close to man, and closer to the bird of the sky.”
Messiaen closes, “There it is! Does that answer your questions? I don’t think so. With all my admiration and my deepest friendship, Very affectionately, Messiaen”.
A couple of small smudges, otherwise in very fine condition. Written just two months before the composer’s capture by German forces, and his two-year stay in a prisoner of war camp where he composed Quartet for the End of Time.
An excellent letter that references both Messiaen’s religiosity and his lifelong fascination with birds and birdsong; he once stated that birds were “probably the greatest musicians to inhabit our planet”. (9688)
Autograph Letter Classical Music