Colours of the Organ

COLOURS OF THE ORGAN

Inspired by the organ music of Olivier Messiaen, in particular his organ suite “Les Corps Glorieux”

 

Subtly the golden reed weaves its spell –

A monody of single hue and tone,

Each phrase echoed in a paler yellow.

 

Sparkling waters bubble incessantly,

Reflecting flashes of tree and sky

In softer tones on four foot flute.

 

Complex Hindu rhythms interweaving

Muted pastel colours, blending, swaying,

Prismatic, perfect, luminescent, lilting,

Pacing up and down the sonic spectrum,

Constant, chromatic, pulsating beat,

All pervading perfume of frankincense.

 

The serpent stalks amongst the rasping reeds,

Perpetual struggle between Life and Death.

Now joined by jangling jagged fiery shapes

Above the loathsome pit of darkness.

Flashing, crashing, thunderous chords dissolve

Into the blinding white of full organ –

Tumultuous; triumphing over Death.

They shatter on the walls like broken glass :

Dying, tinkling fragments fall to the floor.

Then….. Motionless calm of sustained clusters,

Undulating in aquamarine echoes,

In the peaceful tone of soft, soothing flutes.

 

Agile antics in Autumnal colours –

Gold, russet, ochre, careering spirals

Whipped up by the wind, then fading away.

 

Trumpet fanfare translucent in the sun

Bringing rhythmic joy in strident splendour –

Primary colours on the pulsating plain

Give way to brief flashes from myriad mirrors –

Brilliant beacons, light from a million suns

Bright coruscations lapping on the shore.

 

Distant mysteries in Catholic purple

Now resonate about this sacred space.

Transfigured, the melodious song thrush,

In vernal green, pipes his sorrowful song,

Which in the stillness of the closing day

Evaporates like a forgotten dream.

 

 

Mike Jones

 

Note : Olivier Messiaen [1908 – 1992] held the post of organist at La Trinite in Paris from 1930 until his death in 1992. HIs original musical voice was very influential in 20th century French music. He had a great passion for birdsong and Hindu rhythms which he incorporated into many of his compositions, including his large scale organ works.

 

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