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by Olivier Messiaen
(The Magi)
"The Sages departed, and the star was continually before them."

VIII. Les Mages, with its long slow melody on the pedals and the regular punctuation of sixteenth notes (mostly grouped in threes), suggests the slow, steady journey of the three Magi to Bethlehem. In this movement we can sense the walk of the camels, their uneven gait, half-asleep, traveling by night so as to see the star. Being on a camel’s back creates a motion that can mesmerize one into a state of timelessness. This is an impressionistic picture, with sands moving softly by gentle breezes, a melody (a plainsong melody “riff” on Veni Creator Spiritus, played in the pedals) represents the light of the star which draws the Magi to the baby. That melody also creates a forward energy that makes the movement compelling. Twice the motion virtually comes to a complete halt – perhaps because the Magi have fallen asleep and failed to prompt the camels to continue. Finally, we arrive at the stable and present the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh – in absolutely hushed awe. The piece ends in F sharp major, a sparkling of all possible colors. For Messiaen it is the key of love.

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from Messiaen: La Nativité du Seigneur - Full Resolution, released September 20, 2021

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Jonathan Dimmock San Francisco, California

Jonathan Dimmock (www.JonathanDimmock.com) is an internationally renowned concert organist. He is the Principal Organist of the Legion of Honor Museum, Organist for the San Francisco Symphony, and Director of Music at Congregation Sherith Israel. He was Organ Scholar of Westminster Abbey. and worked at 3 cathedrals - St. John the Divine (NYC), St. Mark’s (Mpls), and Grace (San Francisco). ... more

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