British pianist Matthew Schellhorn is joined by the Soloists of the Philharmonia Orchestra in this recording of Olivier Messiaen’s chamber works, including the eight-movement masterpiece Quatuor pour la fin du Temps, written while the composer was a prisoner of war and premiered in 1941 at the Stalag VIIIA camp in Silesia.
Marking one hundred years since the birth of the composer, the disc also includes the newly published Fantaisie for violin and piano (discovered after the composer’s death) and the world première recording of a beautiful miniature for solo piano.
A worthwhile and distinctive release – Gramophone
Classical Editors’ Favourite 2008: A heart-stoppingly beautiful performance … Listeners who love Quatuor pour la fin du Temps owe it to themselves to hear this stellar version – All Music Guide USA
Admirers of Messiaen’s music will simply have to have this record … All in all, a highly recommendable CD – International Record Review
