Messe pour le temps present (Philips – 1967) oscillates between hypnotic and unsettling, creating a theatrical experience that reflects the surrealist and avant-garde spirit of the late 60’s
Messe pour le temps présent is often considered a milestone in electronic and pop crossover. Its influence reaches beyond classical and experimental circles, resonating with listeners across genres and inspiring subsequent artists in electronic music. We have to care about the important Michel Colombier’s work with orchestrations. More than the « jerks », the rest of this piece got tracks more in experiments by Pierre Henry (Le Voyage, La reine verte, Variations pour une porte et un soupir). No ages on this & by the way the remixes are still interesting. It obviously marked a turning point in how electronic sounds could be integrated into mainstream art and pop culture…
Few words about the record
Messe pour le temps présent is a groundbreaking 1967 collaboration between composer Pierre Henry, a pioneer of musique concrète, and Michel Colombier, a versatile arranger and composer. Originally created as the soundtrack for Maurice Béjart’s avant-garde ballet, the album merges experimental electronic music with elements of jazz, pop, and orchestral sounds, resulting in a bold and influential work.
This album is both a historical artifact and a timeless piece of experimental music. Henry and Colombier’s collaboration expanded the horizons of electronic music, making it more accessible and rhythmic without sacrificing its experimental edge. The album remains a key reference point in electronic and avant-garde music, appreciated for its boldness, energy, and lasting influence.
Henry and Colombier use tape loops, early synthesizers, and traditional instruments to create a unique sonic landscape. Tracks like the iconic Psyché Rock blend distorted electronic textures with catchy, pulsating rhythms, which later inspired variations and homages, even influencing the theme for Futurama. The album is playful yet daring, layering percussive beats with swirling electronics and orchestral flourishes.
