Vingt Regards Sur L'Enfant-Jesus
Olivier Messiaen'sVingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jesus(Twenty Ways of Looking at the Infant Jesus) is just that--20 intense miniatures in which the composer explores his religious, spiritual, and musical convictions. Over the course of its two hours, you'll hear birdsongs, a bit of Liszt, and plenty of dissonance, along with some genuine moments of tenderness and even sensuality. It's easily Messiaen's greatest work for the piano, and playing its many facets effectively is a challenge few musicians have accomplished. Despite stiff competition fromHakon Austboand thecomposer's wife (Yvonne Loriod), Pierre-Laurent Aimard delivers what is undoubtedly the finest recording to date of the piece. Aimard, who studied under the composer and Loriod herself, rises to the difficulties of this work and all its tonal colors. He's rhythmically precise, yet he brings out the subtleties of the music as well. Messiaen's great work has never sounded better, due in part to Teldec's great recording, but mostly to Aimard's versatile playing. An impressive release and a must-have for Messiaen lovers.--Jason Verlinde