presents:
Poèmes pour Mi
A passionate tribute to love
In 1936, Messiaen composed his Poèmes pour Mi, a cycle of nine songs dedicated to his newlywed wife, Claire Delbos, whom he affectionately called "Mi." The text, conceived as a free paraphrase of Biblical passages, offers a passionate ode to their marriage, which Messiaen transposes into the divine and the infinite.
The vocal lines, reminiscent of Gregorian chant with their characteristic psalmody and melismas, are supported by the piano with the colorful chords that are so emblematic of Messiaen's harmonic language. Additionally, the flexible rhythm, based on the natural accentuation of the text, as well as the dialogues between the voice and piano and the long, jubilant vocalises, evoke the essence of Gregorian chant.
By merging this ancient idiom with his own avant-garde compositional style, Messiaen imbues the songs with an aura of eternity, elevating his marriage to the sublime and eternal realm of faith.
Brand-new Splendor member Katrien Baerts will perform this gem alongside Thomas Dieltjens, who, as both pianist and artistic director of ‘Het Collectief’, is the ideal interpreter of Messiaen’s glorious repertoire.
This concert lasts 30 minutes.
Katrien Baerts, Soprano
Thomas Dieltjens, Piano