Singing: The couperin shows off the rarely heard singing quality of the harpsichord in this relaxed prelude from Couperin's handbook on harpsichord playing; L'art de toucher le clavecin. This relaxed air is mirrored in the opening of Parween Sultana's vocal raga performance. She can sing 3 octaves! The performance ends by showing her great virtuosity, excelling any western coloratura singer. Messiaen was very interested in indian culture. Les Anges mirrors some of the virtuosity of the indian vocal tradition in the figuration and velocity of the writing.