Jonathan Harvey's 'Tombeau de Messiaen' : A fitting tribute to a great composer

Abstract

Philip Mead commissioned and first performed 'Tombeau de Messiaen' in 1994. It has since come to be recognised as a classic of the medium, being performed by many pianists around the world. This paper explores the work's"raison d'etre"; its relationship to the piano music of Messiaen and the nature of the piano writing; its relationship to his other works; and the many fascinating insights I learned about the work through working closely with the composer in preparation for the first performance.