“I have an extraordinary, marvelous, inspired interpreter whose brilliant technique and playing — in turn powerful, light, moving and colored — suit my works exactly.” – Olivier Messiaen
During my Messiaen-inspired trip to Paris two years ago, I made a point of passing by the apartment on rue Marcadet Yvonne Loriod shared with Messiaen for over thirty years, in the hopes of catching a glimpse of her. Sadly she was no longer there, having been moved to a retirement home after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage in 2007, but I could still feel her presence.
Loriod, the greatest pianist/muse since Clara Schumann, passed away on Monday at the age of 86. She will be buried next to her husband near their home high in the French Alps, under the bird-shaped headstone she designed for him nearly 20 years ago. I look forward to paying my respects to both of them someday soon.
More about Loriod's life in the Times.
I look ahead to shelling out my aspects to both of them at some point soon.
I look ahead to shelling out my aspects to both of them at some point soon.
I look ahead to shelling out my aspects to both of them at some point soon.
I look ahead to shelling out my aspects to both of them at some point soon.
I look ahead to shelling out my aspects to both of them at some point soon.
I look ahead to shelling out my aspects to both of them at some point soon.