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Amazon.co.uk Review
Don't be put off by the relatively low playing time of this issue (52'30). Presented in such intense terms as this, to follow the Quartet for the End of Time with anything at all would be simply inappropriate. The four instrumentalists (all soloists in their own right) seem to come together to present a vision at one with Messiaen's intentions. This piece demands that its interpreters can summon up both transcendental calm and ecstatic virtuosity. Paul Meyer's account of the long third movement for solo clarinet, "Abime des oiseaux", is gripping throughout. Both the shorter "Interméde" and "Danse de la fureur, pour les sept trompettes" demonstrate how the players seem to think as one. Jian Wang's playing in "Louange à l'Eternité de Jésus seems to both sum up the preceding seven movements and at the same time transcend them. Shaham's final symbolic ascent into the heavens (the highest reaches of the violin) is spellbinding. This version seems to encapsulate the very essence of Messiaen. Indispensable. --Colin Clarke
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
After being introduced to Messiaen by Myung -Whun Chung's marvellous recording of Turangalila, I instantly bought this new version of the Quartet before I read the complete savaging it received at the hands of Gramophone. Completely out of order - this recording is simply spellbinding. I still find it hard to believe that four instruments can conspire to create sounds of such beauty. Ignore the Gramophone snobs and buy this NOW - it is simply wonderful (in a weird kind of way!)
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This deeply moving account of the work can well match the acclaimed RCA recording by Tashi Quartet. Main difference is that Shaham's ensemble allows more freedom of expression for individual instrument and every movement is much slower than Tashi ( DG Timing 3'01 / 5'31 / 8'51 / 1'43 / 10'00 / 5'38 / 8'18 / 9'17 ).
Another advantage of this recording is the very realistic sound quality of each instrument. I'm particularly pleased with the piano part which has amazing presence throughout the music, providing rich, almost orchestra-like sonority, well balanced with other three instruments (not restrained as mere background support like in so many other recordings).
Shaham's rendition of the last movement is one of the most moving performances I ever encountered, capturing the sense of infinity and eternity so profoundly like no other violinist could do. Commentary includes facinating account of musical life surrounding the first performance, by one of the musicians who gave premiere concert in the prisoners' camp.
Overall, this performance is a welcome addition to the amazing classic account by Tashi which is also well worth listening for its entirely different approach, deep spirituality and especially for the synthesiser-like sonority accidentally achieved in the 6th movement where all players join in unison. So get the both recordings and see the same music can be played in totally different ways, both very inspired in its own way.
Another advantage of this recording is the very realistic sound quality of each instrument. I'm particularly pleased with the piano part which has amazing presence throughout the music, providing rich, almost orchestra-like sonority, well balanced with other three instruments (not restrained as mere background support like in so many other recordings).
Shaham's rendition of the last movement is one of the most moving performances I ever encountered, capturing the sense of infinity and eternity so profoundly like no other violinist could do. Commentary includes facinating account of musical life surrounding the first performance, by one of the musicians who gave premiere concert in the prisoners' camp.
Overall, this performance is a welcome addition to the amazing classic account by Tashi which is also well worth listening for its entirely different approach, deep spirituality and especially for the synthesiser-like sonority accidentally achieved in the 6th movement where all players join in unison. So get the both recordings and see the same music can be played in totally different ways, both very inspired in its own way.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It's hard to believe this wonderful music could have been conceived in a prisoner of war camp in World War 2 Germany, yet Messiaen somehow managed to convey both hope and hopelessness in the eight perfect movements of this work. This recording is a superb reading of the work, with Paul Meyer particularly beautiful on the clarinet.
I sought out a recording of the Quartet for the End of Time before I recently started to rehearse it with some fellow school-age musicians. Needless to say we are finding many difficulties in the complex work, but we can take comfort in the sound of the perfect piece being played outstandingly on this recording. Wholeheartedly recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Marvellous quartet recording - defy the naysayers!
I was fortunate enough to hear this version before reading the highly critical review provided by Gramophone and now I'm adding my voice to the other shoppers blowing a raspberry... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Philoctetes
DOT NOT BUY THIS
Hands up all those who would put money on a one-time music director of the Paris Opera being able to distinguish between semiquavers and demi-semiquavers? Read more
Published on 10 Dec 2008 by J. Murray
A definitive recording.
This is a superb modern performance which boast DG's legendary recording quality. It is the primary recommendation from The Penguin Guide - need I say more?
Published on 13 Jan 2006
Converted me to modern classical music
If you avoid modern classical music, expecting a cacophony of sound, listen to this recording. The accompanying notes are very illuminating as to the meaning of the piece for the... Read more
Published on 7 Oct 2000
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