ABSTRACT
This chapter lists the citations that include many of Messiaen's articles and reviews, pedagogical works, and lectures and librettos. Messiaen ruminates about the essence of music, its inner life, and what types of expressive means contemporary composers should seek. Rhythms should be allowed to breathe, and modality should be rediscovered in order to encourage a rhythmic vibrancy unhindered by meter. Messiaen interprets the character of Ariane as bringing forth the light of truth to the wives of Barbe-bleue, while attempting to convince the women to free themselves from the darkness symbolized by their husband. Messiaen praises his performance of modern Belgian and French organ works for its precise execution, rhythmic strength, and overall virtuosity. Messiaen reviews several recent musical concerts in Paris: a concert version of a ballet by Florent Schmitt, a Ravel festival, and a concert of music by Stravinsky, Milhaud Messiaen's articles and others, all of which he found admirable.
