Messiaen: Quatuor pour la fin du temps

Bandieri, Davide, Marosi, Joël, Marosi, Marja-Liisa, Schatzman, Lisa

95393

Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) composed his Quatuor pour la fin du temps” (Quartet for the End of Time) 1940-41. The work was written during Messiaen’s internment at Stalag VIII-A, a German prisoner-of-war camp, where he was held during World War II. Despite the harsh conditions, Messiaen composed this eight-movement piece for a unique ensemble: clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, which were the instruments available in the camp.

Inspired by the biblical Book of Revelation, particularly the angel’s proclamation of the end of time, the Quatuor explores themes of eternity, divine grace, and apocalyptic vision. Messiaen, a devout Catholic, saw time as transcended by divine love, and the piece reflects his fascination with spiritual and mystical concepts.

The music is known for its otherworldly beauty, complex rhythms, and innovative use of modes of limited transposition, which create a timeless, suspended feeling. The movements range from intense, fiery expressions of divine might to serene, meditative reflections on eternity. Premiered within the camp before an audience of prisoners and guards, Quatuor pour la fin du temps remains one of the most important and profound chamber works of the 20th century.

Davide Bandieri has already successfully released numerous recordings for Brilliant Classics, including the Complete Chamber Music Works for Clarinet by Von Weber (BC 95531) and, together with Joël Marosi and Maria-Liisa Marosi, Clarinet Trios by Frühling and Zemlinsky (BC 95394).

CD x 1

Brilliant Classics

2/3/25

5028421953939