Click to see large cover and tray card
024-119
Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End
of Time
The purpose of this recording, as set forth in the (excellent) liner
notes, is to adhere "more closely to the artistic desires of
Messiaen, as indicated by his detailed markings in the score, his
later writings and musings on the work, and his supervised recording
of 1991". And these are no ordinary performers...For starters,
the ensemble is wonderfully recorded. Each player shines in the extended
solo passages. More than that, the unison in VI is breathtaking. By
avoiding any vibrato, the sounds of clarinet, strings, and piano mesh
into one perfect whole. It's brilliant. The players explore the stillness
of the piece to great effect. Tempos are "inexorable" (to
use the composer's word) when necessary, but the stillness goes beyond
tempo choices. In music without a consistent time signature there
is a danger of sounding aimless. Not here. The performers manage to
make the music sound like it is unfolding rather than wandering.
—Jason Sundram, "American Record Guide" Jan/Feb
2005
The ensemble is excellent, particularly in the unison-passage movements.
I was especially impressed with Danse de la fureur, which is
as quick and as accurate as any I’ve heard. Each of the musicians
also makes a fine showing in solo capacity as well, particularly Cohler
in Abîme des oiseaux (duration 9:29).
—Robert Kirzinger, "Fanfare Magazine"
Sep/Oct 2005
"This new Quartet recording is striking
in its precision, rhythmic vitality and presence, and its ability
to capture the composer's timeless ecstacism. The cleanly realized
unison playing, such as in the sixth movement...is exciting, and the
intonation is impeccable, which is true throughout the piece. The
recorded balances are fine throughout the disc...[Mr. Cohler's] phrasing
and breath control in the solo 'Abyss' movement is amazing...a stellar
entry into the crowded field."
—William Nichols, "The Clarinet" June
2005
"I am using your CD as a model. It's absolutely
stunning. I was so impressed by how perfectly in sync and in tune
the sixth movement is and also by how delicate is the first movement...The
recording is absolutely incredible. The whole thing sets a new standard
for recordings of that piece. Congratulations!"
—Rebecca Rischin, Author of "For the End of Time"
Ongaku recording tops them all
"The recent release of Messiaen's Quartet for the
End of Time is spectacular both in performance and sound quality.
Janice Weber's formidable playing is astounding, her subtle, nearly-inaudible
pianissimos ethereal. The magical slow movements capture the mysticism
of the work more than my previous recording . The solo violin, cello
and clarinet moments are superb.
This is a five-star performance."
—Richard E. Cross, Amazon.com reviewer