Messiaen/Quartet for the End of Time

Abstract: A 15 page research paper that offers musical analysis of Oliver Messiaen's most famous work, Quatuor pour la fin du Temps (Quartet for the End of Time). This report particularly focuses on the sixth movement of this eight-movement quartet, which is quite distinctive rhythmically and exemplifies Messiaen's treatment of rhythm. The writer argues that the first two measures of this movement offer a rhythmic motive that provides the basis for the rest of the movement. Through repetition, added rhythmic values, augmentation and subtraction, virtually every rhythmic idea in the remainder of the movement evolves from these two measures. Before addressing the sixth movement directly, however, in order to explore how Messiaen accomplishes this remarkable development, the writer discusses the movement in relation to the rest of the work and briefly looks at his background. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

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Catagory: Film & Television

Subcatagory: Music, Film, Television, Theater & Photography

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