“Inhuman perfection
This astonishing performance blows away any and all previous recordings
of this magnificent work. Ilya Kaler, probably the greatest living violinist,
is only one component here of a musical collaboration that makes Tashi
sound arid by comparison. Yes, the two Louanges are breathtaking and sensitive
almost beyond comprehension (hallelujah Janice Weber!!!), but there is
not a moment anywhere here where any performer fails to achieve transcendence.
(The filler Theme and Variations for violin and piano, from 1932, are
also a major revelation.)”
—Amazon.com, Michael Celbar
“these are no ordinary performers…For starters,
the ensemble is wonderfully recorded. Each player shines in the extended
solo passages. More than that, the unison in VI is breathtaking. By
avoiding any vibrato, the sounds of clarinet, strings, and piano mesh
into one perfect whole. It’s brilliant. The players explore the stillness
of the piece to great effect. Tempos are ‘inexorable’ (to
use the composer’s word) when necessary, but the stillness goes beyond
tempo choices. In music without a consistent time signature there
is a danger of sounding aimless. Not here. The performers manage to
make the music sound like it is unfolding rather than wandering.
—American Record Guide, Jason Sundram
“The ensemble is excellent, particularly in the unison-passage movements.
I was especially impressed with Danse de la fureur, which is
as quick and as accurate as any I’ve heard. Each of the musicians
also makes a fine showing in solo capacity as well, particularly Cohler
in Abîme des oiseaux (duration 9:29).”
—Fanfare Magazine, Robert Kirzinger
“This new Quartet recording is striking
in its precision, rhythmic vitality and presence, and its ability
to capture the composer's timeless ecstacism. The cleanly realized
unison playing, such as in the sixth movement...is exciting, and the
intonation is impeccable, which is true throughout the piece. The
recorded balances are fine throughout the disc…[Mr. Cohler’s] phrasing
and breath control in the solo ‘Abyss’ movement is amazing…a stellar
entry into the crowded field.”
—The Clarinet Magazine, William Nichols
“I am using your CD as a model. It's absolutely
stunning. I was so impressed by how perfectly in sync and in tune
the sixth movement is and also by how delicate is the first movement…The
recording is absolutely incredible. The whole thing sets a new standard
for recordings of that piece. Congratulations!”
—Rebecca Rischin, Author of “For the End of Time”
“Ongaku recording tops them all
The recent release of Messiaen's Quartet for the
End of Time is spectacular both in performance and sound quality.
Janice Weber's formidable playing is astounding, her subtle, nearly-inaudible
pianissimos ethereal. The magical slow movements capture the mysticism
of the work more than my previous recording . The solo violin, cello
and clarinet moments are superb. This is a five-star performance.”
—Amazon.com, Richard E. Cross