Yesterday’s lunchtime concert in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre consisted of early works by Olivier Messiaen written for his wife, the violinist and composer Claire Delbos.  The first piece was the Theme et variations for violin and piano of 1932.  Like much of Messiaen’s music this piece represents two contrasting moods, likely rooted in Messiaen’s Catholicism.  It’s either deeply meditative or ecstatic, almost manically so, with not much in between.  It’s also very hard to play!  Here it was presented with great skill and conviction by violinist Kerry DuWors and pianist Liz Upchurch.   Continue reading →