Post Description

This 32 CD set was issued in November 2008 to commemorate the centenary of Olivier Messiaen's birth. It contains all the works which the composer considered to be worthwhile. This is not a vast output for a compositional career spanning 64 years - compared, say, to Bach or Mozart - but at least it is practical for a listener to become familiar with the complete oeuvre. Amongst the reasons why one might do so are the consistently high levels of inspiration and originality in his music. There is also more variety than might be expected if one only knows the "famous" works. After composing a few pieces recalling Debussy and Fauré, Messiaen developed a highly characteristic style which blended profound spirituality with the world of nature in predominantly large canvases using imaginative instrumentation.
First up CDs 1-7 Piano Music, all Roger Muraro (piano), rec. 1998-2001. Most of these seem to be live performances.