Turangalîla is a term derived from Sanskrit that appears to have been coined by Messiaen. He described the piece as a “love song” and the work is known for its intense emotional and spiritual aspects. The word Turangalîla itself is thought to convey a sense of profound and ecstatic love, joy and liberation, which are themes that can be found throughout the symphony. In her performance, Wang skilfully maintained a perfect balance, ensuring that the piano’s sound was never overshadowed.
For 85 minutes, we sat silently in awe of the extraordinary talents of pianist Yuja Wang. With impeccable precision, under the baton of Simone Young, she delivered a flawless rendition of French composer Olivier Massiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie on the piano, showcasing her exceptional technical prowess, artistic interpretation, and profound comprehension of the music. This mesmerising performance unfolded last month at Milan’s prestigious Teatro alla Scala, creating an all-encompassing musical experience for the audience.
One of Messiaen’s most notable works, Turangalîla-Symphonie is considered by many to be a challenging piece. Scored for a large orchestra with a prominent solo piano part, it is known for its complexity in terms of orchestration, rhythm and harmony. The work incorporates unconventional musical instruments, such as the vibraphone and Ondes Marteno (an early electronic musical instrument).
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