Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time
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Music Reviews of Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time
Music Review: Heavy breathing
Rating: 2 Stars
I bought this CD after reading many reviews proclaiming it a definitive recording of Messiaen's quartet. However, after listening to the first few movements I found myself so distracted by the heavy breathing that punctuates nearly every violin phrase played that the music itself became difficult to concentrate on.
Having since purchased a couple more recordings featuring him, I've discovered that this breathiness is a part of Gil Shaham's style that comes to the fore on smaller ensemble recordings -- sort of like pianist Glenn Gould's humming. Evidently most reviewers here weren't distracted enough by it to comment, but I found it intrusive enough during close listening to mar the listening experience. As a result, I rarely listen to this recording and usually go back to the 1975 Tashi recording on RCA.
Music Review: Perfect Performance
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a stunning performance of what may be the most accessible work of one of the icons of twentieth century composition.Unlike other quartets, this composition is scored for the unusual combination of clarinet, cello, violin and piano. The eight movements are scored for different combinations of these instruments. The inspiration came from the book of revelation, and each movement is given a religious interpretation by the composer. But it may be best to simply forget about the program---the power of the music will come through after repeated listenings.
My favorite movements are the two louanges, particularly the last movement which is scored for violin and piano. This conclusion to the work conveys an incredible sense of peace and resignation.
Music Review: Perfect Performance
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a stunning performance of what may be the most accessible work of one of the icons of twentieth century composition.Unlike other quartets, this composition is scored for the unusual combination of clarinet, cello, violin and piano. The eight movements are scored for different combinations of these instruments. The inspiration came from the book of revelation, and each movement is given a religious interpretation by the composer. But it may be best to simply forget about the program---the power of the music will come through after repeated listenings.
My favorite movements are the two louanges, particularly the last movement which is scored for violin and piano. This conclusion to the work conveys an incredible sense of peace and resignation.
Music Review: The Zenith of Virtuosity
Rating: 5 Stars
An incredible recording of a monumental work. This ensemble is made of four high caliber soloists. With the ominous timbre of Paul Meyer, the technical virtousity of Myung-Whun Chung, and the sorrowfull, tear jerking musicality of Gil Shaham and Jian Wang, this recording stands out as an icon of what true virtousity is. The blend of these four is precise, full, and pure, but most importantly, the music being made is unreserved and inspiring.
This is powerful music played by four powerhouse musicians. This recording is one of the best recordings I have in my library. There is no doubt in my mind that these musicians' interpretation of the Messiaen will be remembered as legendary.
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