Album insights
Messiaen's monumental work, "Vingt regards sur l'enfant-Jésus," emerged in a tumultuous period, composed between March 23 and September 8, 1944, in Paris during one of the city's most turbulent years. The German occupation painted a bleak picture of a city on the brink of collapse: shortages of food and fuel were profound, and electricity supply became erratic, leading to the closure of the Opéra de Paris in July.
During August, significant events unfolded - from labor strikes and resistance calls to the nearing presence of Allied forces and the last deportation of Jews to Auschwitz by the Nazis. Paris saw a surge in resistance activities, with French demonstrators clashing with German soldiers, hinting at a potential civil war. However, on the evening of August 24, almost unnoticed, Allied tanks rolled into the city. The formal liberation of Paris occurred on August 25, marked by General de Gaulle's victory parade.
Messiaen's residence during this chaotic time was at 13 villa du Danube, where barricades were erected by the French Résistance. Surrounded by turmoil and chaos, it's remarkable that he was merely two weeks away from completing the "Vingt Regards," his longest work to date, aligning with the pivotal liberation of Paris.
As the composition neared completion, private rehearsals for the "Vingt Regards" began, involving Loriod, Toesca, and Guy Bernard-Delapierre. Exciting plans emerged but weren't realized, such as a luxurious edition with illustrations by Rouault and Picasso. The premiere on December 19, 1944, featured Loriod performing two pieces, marking a significant moment in the work's history. Messiaen diligently prepared and finalized the composition by September 8.
Following the premiere, critics' reactions were mixed - from passionate endorsements to scathing criticisms. The debate over Messiaen's music, style, and comments in connection with "Le cas Messiaen" persisted, with some critiquing his theories and artistic approach intensely. Messiaen's profound connection to spirituality and originality divided opinions among critics, sparking an enduring debate in the French music press.
Despite the controversies, Messiaen's "Vingt Regards" remains a monumental achievement. Its profound themes, innovative musical techniques, and spiritual essence have solidified its place in music history and exemplified Messiaen's remarkable artistic vision during a challenging period marked by war and liberation.
(Sources: Various historical documents and analyses)