The two volumes of Messiaen Perspectives convey the growing understanding of his deep and varied interconnections with his cultural milieux. Messiaen Perspectives 1: Sources and Influences examines the genesis, sources and cultural pressures that shaped Messiaen's music. It presents many new primary sources along with performance practice insights and theological inspiration in works as diverse as Visions de l'Amen, Harawi, Timbres-durées and the Méditations. The book includes an examination of the impact of one of the greatest influences upon Messiaen, Yvonne Loriod.

Introduction; I: Sources; Perspectives on Sources; 1: Olivier Messiaen and the Prix de Rome as Rite of Passage; 2: Olivier Messiaen and Portique pour une fille de France; 3: Formal Genesis in the Sketches for Visions de l'Amen 1; 4: From Music for the Radio to a Piano Cycle: Sources for the Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus; 5: My Collaboration with Olivier Messiaen and Yvonne Loriod on Harawi; 6: Olivier Messiaen's Timbres-durées; 7: From Réveil des oiseaux to Catalogue d'oiseaux: Messiaen's Cahiers de notations des chants d'oiseaux, 1952-59; 8: In the Beginning Was The Word? An Exploration of the Origins of Méditations sur le mystère de la Sainte Trinité; I: Intermède; 9: Yvonne Loriod as Source and Influence; II: Influences; Perspectives on Influences; 10: Messiaen and Mozart: A Love without Influence?; 11: Messiaen and the Romantic Gesture: Contemplations on his Piano Music and Pianism; 12: Messiaen and the Problem of Communication; 13: Messiaen and Art Sacré; 14: Messiaen, the Cinq Rechants and 'Spiritual Violence'; 15: Messiaen in Retrospect