ABSTRACT
A tribute to Roger Desormiere (1898--1963). When he was seventeen years old, Messiaen saw Desormiere conduct for the first time at the Salle Gaveau. On the program was Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Messiaen admired Desormiere's interpretation of that piece, noting its rhythmic precision. He recollects fondly how Desormiere conducted concerts for La Jeune France, the world premiere of his Trois petites Liturgies de la Presence Divine, and the French premiere of his Turangalfla-Symphonie. Indeed, Messiaen preferred Desormiere's interpretation of the Turangalila-Symphonie to that of Leonard Bernstein, who conducted the world premiere of the work a year earlier. Messiaen praises Desormiere's ability as a flutist, composer, and conductor, and also singles him out as a champion of the music of Rameau, Berlioz, and Debussy. Messiaen closes his tribute by remembering the last two times he saw Desormiere conduct, which was at the Thea.tre des Champs-Elysees with the Orchestre National. Desormiere's first program included Boulez's "Soleil des eaux," while the second one featured Stravinsky's "Petrouchka" and De Falla's "Tricome." Messiaen states that he will never forget Desormiere who, in Messiaen's youth, was both a friend to composers and a great conductor.
