I completely understand your question about what Messiaen means by 'resonance superior' and 'inferior'. To be fair I also was rather confused by it… haha The only thing I can think of is that Messiaen makes a distinction between a resonance that lasts longer and is therefore 'better', i.e. superior, and that the inferior resonance achieves that desired effect less well. Of all the examples that Messiaen gives, the pattern can be seen that at the resonance superior, bass notes are played and then (higher) notes are played afterwards. Those higher notes fit more or less into the overtone spectrum of the note in question, so that the resonance of mainly the bass notes continues longer and you also hear the resonance of the higher tones. While with inferior resonance, higher notes are always played first and then a further blow comes from a number of bass tones. This means you hear the bass tones very well and for a long time, but the sound and resonance of the upper tones is a bit drowned out; and therefore this form of resonance is subordinate; inferior to the other form of resonance. I could very well be wrong... but I am curious about your thoughts on the matter
I completely understand your question about what Messiaen means by 'resonance superior' and 'inferior'. To be fair I also was rather confused by it… haha
The only thing I can think of is that Messiaen makes a distinction between a resonance that lasts longer and is therefore 'better', i.e. superior, and that the inferior resonance achieves that desired effect less well.
Of all the examples that Messiaen gives, the pattern can be seen that at the resonance superior, bass notes are played and then (higher) notes are played afterwards. Those higher notes fit more or less into the overtone spectrum of the note in question, so that the resonance of mainly the bass notes continues longer and you also hear the resonance of the higher tones. While with inferior resonance, higher notes are always played first and then a further blow comes from a number of bass tones. This means you hear the bass tones very well and for a long time, but the sound and resonance of the upper tones is a bit drowned out; and therefore this form of resonance is subordinate; inferior to the other form of resonance.
I could very well be wrong... but I am curious about your thoughts on the matter
Thank you for this thoughtful comment. I’m going to revisit that earlier video and perhaps record an update taking into account your questions.