Messiaen - Quartet for the End Of Time

[makropulos]

I'll very much second this recommendation, and add that this single disc issue has a marginally more successful repair of a dodgy tape edit in the Chronochromie recording than the relevant disc in the EMI 14 disc Messiaen box or the earlier French EMI single disc issue have. The 14 disc box also has a alternative recording of the Quatuor. If you would like to hear the Quatuor played by a quartet including two its original performers, there is recording of such a performance in this box:

http://www.amazon.fr/Olivier-Messiae.../dp/B001795SIC

I'll third that recommendation of the De Peyer et al. EMI record too - it's a wonderful performance. Of more recent ones, I like the playing and recording of the Hebrides Ensemble on Linn, and that has a very interesting programme (Theme and Variations, Fantaisie, Merle noir, Pièce for piano and quartet, and the Quartet for the End of Time. Bryn's also right to mention the old mono recording with Messiaen, the Pasquiers and André Vacellier - Messiaen and Etienne Pasquier having given the first performance in Stalag VIII-A, and all four of them having given the first performance in Paris, on 24 June 1941 at the Théâtre des Mathurins.

[Barbirollians]

I have just ordered the Previn Turangalila second hand for a song to see if it can convert me as the Chung recording failed to do.

[Barbirollians]

I enjoyed the de Peyer recording greatly and have to admit to rather enjoying Chronochromie - noisy racket as it is there is a real energy too .

[johnb]

I have just ordered the Previn Turangalila second hand for a song to see if it can convert me as the Chung recording failed to do.

My conversion was about 20 years ago when I heard it live in Wells Cathedral performed by Rattle and the CBSO with Oli in the audience. Some days before I had played Previn's recording of the final movement to the friend I was taking - and she visibly blanched. (Mind you I wasn't too enthuistic myself.)

At the performance, right from the opening bars I thought "this is going to be good". Perhaps it was the combination of hearing it live and the glorious venue. Afterwards there was a standing ovation and some where even standing on their seats. As I said, it was a conversion for me (and my friend thought it was truly amazing as well).