Finding Messiaen’s Blackbird: An Investigative Analysis of Birdsong and Other Techniques Used in Le Merle Noir

Creator

Alexandra L. Aguirre-Berman, University of Northern Colorado

First Advisor

Hall, James

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

12-2020

Department

College of Performing and Visual Arts, Music, Music Student Work

Abstract

Aguirre-Berman, Alexandra L, Finding Messiaen’s Blackbird: an investigative analysis of birdsong and other techniques used in Le merle noir. Published Doctor of Arts dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. This document explores Olivier Messiaen’s use of serialism, Greek rhythms, Hindu deçi-tâlas, ‘style oiseau’ and other ornithological information as they relate to his composition for flute and piano, Le merle noir. As a result of this exploration, an investigative analysis of several compositional elements is provided, including ancient Greek rhythms, Hindu deçi-tâlas, serialism, and birdsong in order to process their connection with Messiaen’s blackbird. Messiaen’s blackbird is identified as the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula), and recorded birdcalls from the Eurasian blackbird have been converted into spectrograms. These graphs facilitated a comparison of the vocalizations produced by the birds with Messiaen’s written music. This investigative analysis provides a new perspective in the interpretation of Le merle noir.

Extent

131 pages

Local Identifiers

AguirreBerman_unco_0161D_10886.pdf

Comments

Fall 2020 Graduate Dean's Citation for Outstanding Thesis, Dissertation, and Scholarly Project

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Recommended Citation

Aguirre-Berman, Alexandra L., "Finding Messiaen’s Blackbird: An Investigative Analysis of Birdsong and Other Techniques Used in Le Merle Noir" (2020). Dissertations. 731.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/dissertations/731