Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

In the unlikely event of me being asked to curate a box set of 20th century classics I would certainly have Olivier Messiaen (1908 - 1992) on the long list; probably his 'Turangalila Symphony' or 'Quatuor pour la fin du temps' but I am far less likely to include this double CD under review, 'Vingt regards sur L'Enfant-Jesus'. I concede that the problem here is me, not the music nor the excellent performance by pianist Bertrand Chamayou. Messiaen is on record of saying that the great misfortune of his life was having "written religious music for a faithless audience." I do not believe that I am faithless but do accept that my understanding and expression of my faith is far less mystical than Messiaen and also that I find his devout Roman Catholicism outside my comfort zone. The 'twenty visions of the infant Jesus' were composed in 1944 and vary in length from two-minute miniatures to the concluding "Regard de l'Eglise d'amour" at over 11 minutes. Personally, I found the longer visions to be more engaging and I expect that listeners who like to use music as an aid in their devotions may find Messiaen helpful. Bertrand Chamayou plays well and the audio quality at the MC2 Auditorium at Grenoble is outstanding. However, potential purchasers have a wealth of recordings from which to choose. Pierre-Laurent Aimard has the approval of the composer and Yvonne Loriod, Messiaen's second wife, has received critical appreciation. Collectors will want to investigate Chamayou's recording and the presentation of the double CD set is well done. To 'top and tail' the collection the pianist has chosen five complementary responses by younger composers, of which Jonathan Harvey's "Tombeau de Messiaen" for piano and digital audio tape from 1994 is the stand-out. I admit to feeling out of my depth when trying to engage with the sonic world of Olivier Messiaen. Many have found much to enjoy in his music and I admit that my failure to get the point is my fault and not his or his many talented interpreters. If you come to this release already knowing and appreciating Messiaen then there is every possibility you will get more from it than this reviewer but I repeat what I have already said, that the fault is mine and not the composer nor the pianist.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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