Search - Olivier Messiaen, Martin Roscoe, Steven Osborne :: Olivier Messiaen: Visions de l'Amen

An exemplary recital of solo and two piano works

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 07/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Olivier Messiaen is finally finding an audience. Once thought of as an esoteric mystic, his music is performed more often lately, perhaps due to the spiritual vacuum in our stressed world situation. Certainly one other reason for the increased interest in his imaginative music is due to the release of so many new albums of works in all areas of his repertoire. And this CD of piano works, both solo and in tandem, offers a fine addition to the catalogue.



Offering solo works is pianist Steven Osborne whose gossamer keyboard technique fits the works so well. His playing of 'Piece pour le tombeau de Paul Duka', 'Fantasie burlesque', and 'Rondeau' are exceptionally clean while mustering that netherland realm in which Messiaen emotes.



Joining Osborne is the equally fine pianist Martin Roscoe for one of the most satisfying performances of 'Visions de l'Amen' on record. The work is long and episodic, but the two artists here have a fine grasp of the overall architecture of the work and offer pristine playing. This work may require multiple listenings for the novice Messiaen audience, but it is one to treasure and will find its way into the psyche in time. A beautiful recording, this. Grady Harp, July 05"