Paul
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In this episode we present The Fews Ensemble performing one of the great compositions of the 20th Century, Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time. We hear the concert in full interspersed with an in depth interview with Joanne Quigley McParland of the Fews Ensemble, and Historical Musicologist Wolfgang Marx of UCD, as well as audience reaction.
The Fews Ensemble are Paulo Scola- clarinet, Joanne Quigley McParland – violin, Jonathan Aasgaard – cello and David Quigley- piano
Composed in a World War II prisoner-of-war camp, Olivier Messiaen’s masterpiece speaks of hope, faith, and eternity amidst despair. Written for instruments that were on hand among the camp’s inmates – clarinet, violin, cello, and (himself playing) piano, the first performance took place in front of an audience of fellow prisoners, and was Messiaen’s most ambitious piece to date. Eight movements, each offering distinctive and unique characteristics of Messiaen’s work, they speak to this Biblical passage from Revelations: ‘I saw a mighty angel descend from heaven, clad in mist; and a rainbow was upon his head. His face was like the sun, his feet like pillars of fire. He set his right foot on the sea, his left foot on the earth, and standing thus on sea and earth he lifted his hand to heaven and swore by Him who liveth for ever and ever, saying: There shall be time no longer; but on the day of the trumpet of the seventh angel, the mystery of God shall be finished.’ The Quartet for the End of Time is a breath-taking fusion of haunting beauty and spiritual depth. Step into a world where music transcends boundaries, and join us for an unforgettable performance that will move your heart and stir your soul.
Olivier Messiaen – Quartet for the End of Time
i. Liturgie de cristal (Crystal liturgy)
ii. Vocalise, pour l’Ange qui annonce la fin du temps” (Vocalise, for the Angel who announces the end of time)
iii. Abîme des oiseaux (Abyss of birds)
iv. Intermède (Interlude)
v. Louange à l’Éternité de Jésus (Praise to the eternity of Jesus)
vi. Danse de la fureur, pour les sept trompettes (Dance of fury, for the seven trumpets)
vii. Fouillis d’arcs-en-ciel, pour l’Ange qui annonce la fin du temps (Tangle of rainbows, for the Angel who announces the end of time)
viii. Louange à l’Immortalité de Jésus (Praise to the immortality of Jesus)
Credits – Series Producer is Dorothee Meyer Holtkamp, Radio Programme mixed by Paul Loughran, Interview and presentation by Cliodhna Ryan, Concert recorded by Gay Graham and Gabor Zajzon, special thanks to Brian Magee and Christopher Hamill for their production assistance. Made with the support of Coimisiún Na Mean with the Television License fee.
The Fews Ensemble is comprised of some of the most highly respected musicians from throughout Europe. Newry based Artistic Director, Joanne Quigley McParland created the ensemble in 2016 under the umbrella of Newry Chamber Music with the intention of offering audiences the opportunity of hearing a wide range of chamber music featuring a variety of instrumentalists and singers. For more information on the Fews Ensemble: www.newrychambermusic.org
The Sundays at Noon concerts take place with support from the Arts Council of Ireland.
