Messiaen’s Regard de l’Esprit de joie: How to Hear the Rhythm of Ecstasy

A Listening Map of 50 Piano Works · Article 44

Regard de l’Esprit de joie is not quiet religious contemplation but ecstasy that the body cannot hold still. Messiaen places chord colour, asymmetrical rhythm, forceful repetition and sudden song in one prism.

Separate four beams of colour

Do not force yourself to count everything

First feel where the body loses symmetrical footing. Next choose one short rhythm and hear it lengthened, shortened or displaced. Analysis should intensify asymmetry rather than replace listening.

Ecstasy requires contrast

Continuous intensity numbs the ear. Song, pause and lower-density regions act as refracting surfaces, giving the next eruption another colour.

1. Hear energy blocks.
2. Then hear switches between them.
3. Finally decide whether the ending reaches a peak or exceeds measurement.

Suggested Listening

Noelia Rodiles: listen to this work on YouTube (Noelia Rodiles)

Rodiles’s clearly filmed performance suits two passes: first assign colour words to energy blocks without a score, then watch the rhythmic action.

If you would like to bring these ideas about listening, understanding, and practice to the keyboard, you might try ScoreFlow, an app I developed to make score reading and daily practice flow more naturally together.