Harvey: Tombeau de Messiaen

Album Description

"Harvey: Tombeau de Messiaen" is a captivating exploration of avant-garde composition by the esteemed British composer Jonathan Harvey. Released in 2008, this album is a testament to Harvey's unique blend of spiritual depth and innovative musical techniques, drawing from the post-war European avant-garde. The centerpiece of the album is the titular "Tombeau de Messiaen," a homage to the influential French composer Olivier Messiaen, commissioned and first performed by pianist Philip Mead in 1994. This piece, for piano and tape, showcases Harvey's mastery of microtonal tensions and harmonic interactions, creating a rich and immersive sonic landscape.

The album also features other notable works by Harvey, including "Mortuos Plango, Vivos Voco," "4 Images After Yeats," and "Ritual Melodies." Each piece demonstrates Harvey's distinctive style, characterized by his imaginative use of raw musical elements and his deeply felt spiritual beliefs. The performances on this album are nothing short of stunning, with Philip Mead's virtuoso piano playing perfectly balanced with the electronic components.

"Harvey: Tombeau de Messiaen" is a significant addition to any contemporary classical music collection, offering a deep dive into the mind of one of the most innovative composers of our time. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, this album promises a rich and rewarding listening experience.

30 juli 2008

About Jonathan Harvey

Jonathan Harvey was a pioneering British composer renowned for his innovative works that seamlessly blend live instruments with electronics, making him the first British composer to leave a significant mark on Central European audiences. Born in Sutton Coldfield, Harvey's musical journey began as a chorister at St Michael's College, Tenbury, where he honed his skills performing multiple services weekly. His academic pursuits led him to St John's College, Cambridge, where he became a major music scholar, eventually earning several doctorates.

Harvey's compositions are celebrated for their avant-garde approach, pushing the boundaries of traditional music. His extensive body of work includes notable pieces such as 'The Angels' (1994) and numerous plays, among them 'Beautiful Thing', 'Babies', and 'Boom Bang-A-Bang'. Beyond his musical contributions, Harvey also made a significant impact as a professor at the University of Sussex from 1977 until his retirement. His legacy continues to inspire through the Jonathan Harvey Electronic Music Studio, which opened in 2019 to celebrate his enduring influence on contemporary music.