Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time

Jonathan Cohler (Artist, Performer), Ilya Kaler (Artist, Performer), Andrew Mark (Artist, Performer), Janice Weber (Artist, Performer), Olivier Messiaen (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Jonathan Cohler, Ilya Kaler, Andrew Mark, Janice Weber
• Composer: Olivier Messiaen
• Audio CD (August 1, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ongaku
• ASIN: B0002Z9VDU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #251,013 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

This is a groundbreaking new recording Olivier Messiaen's seminal 1941 work "Quatuor pour la fin du Temps" (Quartet for the End of Time), along with an earlier work (1932), "Thème et Variations" (Theme and Variations) for violin and piano, that foreshadows some of the harmonies and melodic style of the Quartet. This recording comes closest to the difficult tempo markings of the composer than any other to date (including Messian's own from 1957). It also adheres closely to the extremely demanding dynamic and phrase markings of the composer, while capturing the sound in a pristene 24-bit digital recording process at world-renowned Mechanics Hall of Worcester, Massachusetts. The CD includes a captivating 16-page article by clarinetist Jonathan Cohler that delves into the history of the work and its performance revealing many new facts that were only recently discovered. The article also contains an enlightening timing analysis of the movements comparing this recording with three of the most well known recordings of the work.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ongaku recording tops them all, October 6, 2004

By 

Richard E. Cross "lisztian" (Tarrytown, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time (Audio CD)

Reviewer: Richard E. Cross "lisztian" (Tarrytown, NY) - See all my reviews

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

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inhuman perfection, January 8, 2009

By 

Michael Celbar - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time (Audio CD)

This astonishing performance blows away any and all previous recordings of this magnificent work. Ilya Kaher, probably the greatest living violinist, is only one component here of a musical collaboration that makes Tashi sound arid by comparison. Yes, the two Louanges are breathtaking and sensitive almost beyond comprehension (hallelujah Janice Weber!!!), but there is not a moment anywhere here where any performer fails to achieve transcendence. (The filler Theme and Variations for violin and piano, from 1932, are also a major revelation.)