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This seven‑session course explores the life and musical language of Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992), a composer whose work blends vibrant colour, birdsong, rhythmic innovation, and expressions of profound spiritual conviction. We will study key compositions from across his long career, examine his unique theoretical ideas—including modes of limited transposition and non‑retrogradable rhythms—and consider the influences that shaped his imagination, from Catholic mysticism to ornithology. Through guided listening, discussion, and contextual study, participants will gain a rich, holistic understanding of Messiaen’s contribution to modern music.
What will we cover?
Messiaen’s World — Life, Faith, and Early Influences
Modes, Rhythm, and Colour — Building a Musical Language
War, Captivity, and Revelation — Quatuor pour la fin du temps
Birds, Nature, and Transcription — Messiaen the Ornithologist
The Theatre of Colour — Messiaen’s Works for Stage and Orchestra
Devotion and Mystery — Late Sacred and Organ Works
Final Visions — Saint François d’Assise and Messiaen’s Legacy
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand the evolution of Messiaen’s musical and spiritual language • Identify his characteristic stylistic features including modes, rhythm, colour, and birdsong • Recognise how biography, faith, nature, and theory interact in his works • Discuss the significance of Messiaen in the landscape of 20th‑century music 4. What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge of the subject is required. You do not need to read music to take this course (although we will look at music notation and scores occasionally). Some experience thinking and talking about movements in art and culture in 20th and 21st century would be useful but not necessary.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, guided listening, class discussion and debate, video and score study. Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom: handouts, scores, links to online audio and video, recommendations to encourage and support further reading and listening outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes. You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend live performances.
Edward is a composer who studied at Cambridge and Trinity Laban. He teaches composition and music history at City Lit, Morley College and Trinity Laban Junior Department, and writes about music for The Wire (UK) and Positionen (Germany). His latest work includes a commission for the London Contemporary Music Festival 2024. Previous significant work includes “Flower” (recorded by the BBC at the Aldeburgh Festival 2019 and broadcast on the New Music Show), “One Two” (Cologne 2022), Will (Oslo and Cambridge), “Hold” (Huddersfield 2017), and “Tape Piece” ( LCMF 2015). Since 2013 Ed has worked with Bastard Assignments curating, performing and contributing work to regular shows in London and internationally. Their performances at Southbank Centre (2016) and Wellcome Collection (2017) were broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and they have featured in articles in the Guardian, Telegraph, Financial Times, Frieze, and Neue Zeitschrift für Musik. In 2024 a profile on the group, “Family Dynamics,” was broadcast in Germany. They have been commissioned for a large scale performance in Norway, Denmark and London in 2025 and 2026, and “House” for Musik Installationen Nürnberg in 2025.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/olivier-messiaen-an-introduction-to-his-music3034522Olivier Messiaen: an introduction to his musichttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Exploring-opera-3-MD999-1024.jpg199199GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history/Courses/New courses228513141351136317431228513141351<p>Discover the visionary world of one of the most original composers of the 20th century.</p>003034366Olivier Messiaen: an introduction to his music199199https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Exploring-opera-3-MD999-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-13T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2027Performing artsMD041A199199Olivier Messiaen: an introduction to his music159139199Edward Hendersonolivier-messiaen-an-introduction-to-his-music/md041a-2627<p>Discover the visionary world of one of the most original composers of the 20th century.</p>0000-Available|2027-04-13 00:00:00<p>This seven‑session course explores the life and musical language of Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992), a composer whose work blends vibrant colour, birdsong, rhythmic innovation, and expressions of profound spiritual conviction. We will study key compositions from across his long career, examine his unique theoretical ideas—including modes of limited transposition and non‑retrogradable rhythms—and consider the influences that shaped his imagination, from Catholic mysticism to ornithology. Through guided listening, discussion, and contextual study, participants will gain a rich, holistic understanding of Messiaen’s contribution to modern music. </p><p>Discover the visionary world of one of the most original composers of the 20th century.</p><ul><li>Messiaen’s World — Life, Faith, and Early Influences</li><li>Modes, Rhythm, and Colour — Building a Musical Language</li><li>War, Captivity, and Revelation — Quatuor pour la fin du temps</li><li>Birds, Nature, and Transcription — Messiaen the Ornithologist</li><li>The Theatre of Colour — Messiaen’s Works for Stage and Orchestra</li><li>Devotion and Mystery — Late Sacred and Organ Works</li><li>Final Visions — Saint François d’Assise and Messiaen’s Legacy<br> </li></ul><p>• Understand the evolution of Messiaen’s musical and spiritual language<br>• Identify his characteristic stylistic features including modes, rhythm, colour, and birdsong<br>• Recognise how biography, faith, nature, and theory interact in his works<br>• Discuss the significance of Messiaen in the landscape of 20th‑century music 4. What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?</p><p>No prior knowledge of the subject is required. You do not need to read music to take this course (although we will look at music notation and scores occasionally). Some experience thinking and talking about movements in art and culture in 20th and 21st century would be useful but not necessary.</p>Tutor presentation, guided listening, class discussion and debate, video and score study.<br>Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom: handouts, scores, links to online audio and video, recommendations to encourage and support further reading and listening outside class.<p>Please bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes.<br>You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend live performances.</p><p>City Lit offers a wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Music history courses</a>. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guide to the Music history programme</a>.<br>You may also be interested in our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Music theory and musicianship offer</a>, or one of our many practical music courses.</p>MusicMusic historyvirtual159199139MD041ANONETue13/04/27 - 25/05/2713:30 - 15:3013:3015:307 sessions (over 7 weeks)75-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetEdward HendersonBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-04-13T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2027Performing arts199199Olivier Messiaen: an introduction to his musicolivier-messiaen-an-introduction-to-his-music/md041a-2627<p>Discover the visionary world of one of the most original composers of the 20th century.</p>0000-Available|2027-04-13 00:00:00<p>This seven‑session course explores the life and musical language of Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992), a composer whose work blends vibrant colour, birdsong, rhythmic innovation, and expressions of profound spiritual conviction. We will study key compositions from across his long career, examine his unique theoretical ideas—including modes of limited transposition and non‑retrogradable rhythms—and consider the influences that shaped his imagination, from Catholic mysticism to ornithology. Through guided listening, discussion, and contextual study, participants will gain a rich, holistic understanding of Messiaen’s contribution to modern music.&nbsp;</p><p>Discover the visionary world of one of the most original composers of the 20th century.</p><ul><li>Messiaen’s World — Life, Faith, and Early Influences</li><li>Modes, Rhythm, and Colour — Building a Musical Language</li><li>War, Captivity, and Revelation — Quatuor pour la fin du temps</li><li>Birds, Nature, and Transcription — Messiaen the Ornithologist</li><li>The Theatre of Colour — Messiaen’s Works for Stage and Orchestra</li><li>Devotion and Mystery — Late Sacred and Organ Works</li><li>Final Visions — Saint François d’Assise and Messiaen’s Legacy<br>&nbsp;</li></ul><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Understand the evolution of Messiaen’s musical and spiritual language<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Identify his characteristic stylistic features including modes, rhythm, colour, and birdsong<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Recognise how biography, faith, nature, and theory interact in his works<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Discuss the significance of Messiaen in the landscape of 20th‑century music 4. What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?</p><p>No prior knowledge of the subject is required. You do not need to read music to take this course (although we will look at music notation and scores occasionally). Some experience thinking and talking about movements in art and culture in 20th and 21st century would be useful but not necessary.</p>Tutor presentation, guided listening, class discussion and debate, video and score study.<br>Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom: handouts, scores, links to online audio and video, recommendations to encourage and support further reading and listening outside class.<p>Please bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes.<br>You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend live performances.</p><p>City Lit offers a wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Music history courses</a>. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guide to the Music history programme</a>.<br>You may also be interested in our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Music theory and musicianship offer</a>, or one of our many practical music courses.</p>MusicMusic historyconfigurable
13631351Music historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history1/2/285/1314/1351/13631/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history
