Interpretation of gospel stories in the piano cycle of O. Messiaen "20 views on baby Jesus"

This article discusses the features of the interpretation of the piano cycle of O. Messiaen «20 views on baby Jesus». The most important poles and symbols of his music are concentrated in this amazingly large-scale and large-scale composition affecting the global processes of being, time, eternity, love, an original messianic style is shown - a fusion of mystical revelations, romantic aspiration to the eternal and love of God in a brilliant concert form . The main goal of O. Messiaen is the desire to embody a religious idea through the language of music. In an effort to get away from the terrifying military reality (the work was written during the occupation of France in 1944), the composer turns to God, but not to the image of Christ, who accepted torment, not to the tragic sphere of passions, but to the image of baby Jesus, who becomes a symbol of light and hope of salvation. “Twenty views” is a program essay. The composer treats gospel subjects in a free form. Messiaen's Christian symbolism is mixed with elements of surrealism close to her, acquiring mystical meanings and meanings.