Preludes (Messiaen)

The Preludes is a set of eight piano pieces composed by Olivier Messiaen in 1928-29, marking his official Opus 1. Although relatively early in his compositional career, the Preludes already exhibit several hallmarks of Messiaen's mature style. These include his exploration of modes of limited transposition, his use of complex rhythms, and his nascent interest in bird song.

The titles of the individual preludes are evocative and suggestive:

1. La colombe (The Dove)
2. Chant d'extase dans un paysage triste (Song of Ecstasy in a Sad Landscape)
3. Le nombre léger (The Light Number)
4. Instants défunts (Defunct Moments)
5. Les sons impalpables du rêve (The Impalpable Sounds of Dream)
6. Cloches d'angoisse et larmes d'adieu (Bells of Anguish and Tears of Farewell)
7. Un reflet dans le vent (A Reflection in the Wind)
8. Plainte calme (Calm Lament)

The pieces are not strictly programmatic, but the titles offer a point of entry into Messiaen's sound world, hinting at the atmosphere and emotional content of each prelude. While the influence of Debussy and Ravel is apparent, the Preludes foreshadow Messiaen's unique harmonic language and his preoccupation with spirituality and the natural world. The set as a whole demonstrates a significant step in Messiaen's development as a composer.