Messiaen - Quartet for the end of time

[MISHUGINA]

I've heard only one by Myung-Whun Chung on piano, Jian Wang on cello, Paul Meyer on clarinet and Gil Shaham on violin. Any recommendations?

[val]

I have the version with Vera Beths, Pieterson, Bijlsma and Robert de Leeuw (PHILIPS). The CD includes "Ed expecto resurrectionem mortuorum" directed by Haitink.

[Ephemerid]

I've heard only one by Myung-Whun Chung on piano, Jian Wang on cello, Paul Meyer on clarinet and Gil Shaham on violin. Any recommendations?

oooh that's a lovely recording.  I have heard has been the one by Albert Etard, Albert Tetard, Claude Desurmont, Olivier Messiaen, and Daniel Barenboim which is of course good also.  But the tempo is slightly slower on the Chung/Wang/Meyer/Shaham recording on the final movement which, for me, is a plus.

[BorisG]

I've heard only one by Myung-Whun Chung on piano, Jian Wang on cello, Paul Meyer on clarinet and Gil Shaham on violin. Any recommendations?

The Philips' coupling helps with the decision. Great buy. This recording is available on Australian Eloquence if the Philips cannot be found. Very good 1970/80 sound.

For just the "Quartet", the DG Chung, Wang, etc., with top digital sound.

Both are progressive performances that I regularly interchange in the player.

[sidoze]

For just the "Quartet", the DG Chung, Wang, etc., with top digital sound.

A dissenting view -- this is the worst of the half dozen I've heard. Just abysmal, generic playing, IMO. Go for the Beroff which is available through HMV JP.

http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/1313803

[karlhenning]

I owe this thought to a Jackie Chan movie, but "Jian Wang" sounds like the dude in True Grit

[BorisG]

A dissenting view -- this is the worst of the half dozen I've heard. Just abysmal, generic playing, IMO. Go for the Beroff which is available through HMV JP.

http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/1313803

The Tashi is revered in some quarters. I never warmed to it or the Beroff recordings. I found the sound and some of the playing obtrusive ('in your face') and overall, counterproductive for this work. Just my preference, not the gospel. 0:)

[Michel]

I agree with James - brilliant music, brilliant recording.

[(poco) Sforzando]

The best by far I've heard.

My fave too. But I heard Chung live with the Capucon brothers (I forget the clarinettist), and he was quite good then.

[MishaK]

I can't say that I have heard a representative sample of what's out there, but I like the Desurmont/Tetrard/Barenboim on DG very much.

[ragman1970]

There are so great recordings availiable on the world. (e.g. Sokolov or Koroliov)
A Aimard recording was so unnecessary .......

[Turner]

Messiaen´s own recording wasn´t mentioned here, Quite lyrical, reasonable sound too. With Pasquier duo & Vacellier.