Olivier Messiaen: L'Œuvre d'Orgue
Gillian Weir has been associated with the music of Olivier Messiaen since the beginning of her career and thus the making of this recording is something very special and personal to her. Recorded on the the Frobenius Organ of Århus Cathedral, Denmark, this 7 CD set (Collins Classics 70312, DDD, 1994) is a culmination of many years of effort, thought and performance. While the Collins release is no longer in print, it has been re-released by Priory along with the new posthumous works; please see
Olivier Messiaen: The Complete Organ Works.
The clarity and warmth of this instrument and its acoustic provide a perfect venue for performing these works. The recording quality is superb and picks up the bright, fresh sound of the organ.
Reviews
"Weir's virtuosity and technical control are staggering. She conveys unshakeable conviction and certainty throughout [in] totally gripping performances. An achievement of outstanding musical integrity." Gramophone (1995 Instrumental Award nomination)
"This is a Messiaen cycle that should now enter the shelves of every devotee of his music." BBC Music Magazine (Best CDs of 1994)
"This issue ranks among the supreme achievements in the entire field of instrumental recording." The Organ
"This intégrale is a worthy successor to [that by] Messiaen himself." Le Monde (France)
"An absolute triumph. Gillian Weir's authenticity of performance is beyond challenge. This release represents one of the major recording triumphs of the century." In Tune
"Gillian Weir's matchless Messiaen... a landmark in the history of recorded sound." Organist's Review
"This is a magnificent achievement. I doubt if Collins has ever issued a more important recording than this." CD Review (A 'Pick of the Year')
"One of the most impressive instrumental recording projects I have ever encountered." Independent on Sunday
"There is no finer introduction to Messiaen's unique soundworld in the present catalogue." Mitchell Beazley Guide (Best Organ Recording of 1996)
"Quite simply, it is a masterpiece." The Diapason
"A towering achievement." Pipedreams
"Superlative Playing" Fono Forum (Germany)
"C'est magnifique!" Yvonne Loriod Messiaen