The song cycles that Messiaen wrote between 1936 and 1945 perfectly convey the expressive and aesthetic evolution in his life and art over these years. They occupy a strikingly important place in his musical biography, and together form a composing workshop in which his latest innovations could be developed, while also exploring the full range and variety of writing for the voice. Poèmes pour Mi is laid out on the largest scale—a richly composed cycle, intense and at times heroic. Chants de Terre et de Ciel, lighter in tone but still deeply expressive, celebrates the joy and energy of married love and family life. The Bruun Hyldige Duo’s acclaimed recording of Messiaen’s Harawi and Trois Mélodies can be heard on Naxos 8.572189.