accord de la résonance

Chord of resonance — Messiaen's term for chords built from the natural overtone series above a bass note, using major thirds, tritones, and major sevenths in specific configurations. Produces a luminous, bell-like sonority.

Voice these chords with the bass well-grounded and the upper partials ringing freely. A slight emphasis on the top note draws out the treble shimmer Messiaen associated with gold, orange, and violet. Use pedal generously but clear cleanly before each new harmonic region.