About the Original Text
Bibliographic Information
Original French Edition: Messiaen, Olivier. La technique de mon langage musical. 2 vols. Paris: Alphonse Leduc, 1944.
English Translation: Satterfield, John, trans. The Technique of My Musical Language. Paris: Alphonse Leduc, 1956.
Structure of the Original
The treatise consists of two volumes:
Volume 1: Text (approximately 70 pages)
- Preface
- Nineteen chapters organized into three broad areas: Rhythm, Melody, and Harmony
- Catalogue of the composer's works (as of 1944)
Volume 2: Musical Examples
- 384 musical examples referenced throughout the text
- Drawn primarily from Messiaen's own compositions
- Essential for understanding the treatise; the text frequently refers to specific examples
Dedication
The work is dedicated to Guy Bernard-Delapierre.
Translator's Note
John Satterfield's English translation was prepared in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with acknowledgment to Carl Baxter, Robert Gould, and Frank Justice for critical reading of the manuscript. Satterfield notes that departures from literal translation were made only where idiomatic differences between French and English required them.
How to Obtain
The original publication remains in print and is available through:
- Academic music libraries
- Music retailers specializing in scores and pedagogical materials
- Éditions Alphonse Leduc (now part of Hal Leonard Europe)
Copyright Status
The original text and translation remain under copyright. This companion provides scholarly summary and analysis but does not reproduce Messiaen's text. Readers seeking his distinctive voice, theological reflections, and poetic formulations should consult the original.
Future Editions
Should permissions be obtained from the rights holders, a full transcription may be added to Part I of this companion. Inquiries regarding permissions should be directed to Hal Leonard Europe / Éditions Alphonse Leduc.