Charles Martin Loeffler: Two Rhapsodies for Oboe, Viola and Piano (1905)

I. L'Etang (The Pool)
II. La Cornemuse (The Bagpipe)

I. Liturgy of crystal
II. Vocalise, for the Angel who announces the end of Time
III. Abyss of the birds
IV. Interlude: Scherzo
V. Praise to the Eternity of Jesus
VI. Dance of fury, for the seven trumpets
VII. A mingling of rainbows for the Angel who announces the end of Time
VIII. Praise to the Immortality of Jesus.

The Colorado Chamber Players perform Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time. This work, one of Messiaen’s masterpieces, is scored for violin, clarinet, cello and piano, and had its premiere in a prison camp where Messiaen and three other musicians were interned after the French Army capitulated to Nazi Germany in June 1940. The piece is full of religious mysticism, and is one of the most powerful works of the 20th century.

Charles Martin Loeffler’s atmospheric Two Rhapsodies for oboe, viola and piano will begin the program. The rhapsodies are based on two horrifyingly beautiful poems by Maurice Rollinat. The pool contemplated in the first of the two pieces is a rather sinister place, with hobgoblins and toads. The bagpipe of the second piece symbolizes fear. Both pieces are delicate and exquisite.