|
Dr. Paul S. Kim, a member of the C.W. Post Department of Music faculty, has completed the recording series devoted to the complete piano works of the great French composer Olivier Messiaen. In the annals of Western music, Messiaen is considered one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century along with Stravinsky, Schoenberg, and Bartók. This project, recorded on Centaur Records label, carries historical significance as it is the first CD recording ever of Messiaen's piano music to be thus issued as a comprehensive series. Among the critical recognition accorded this recording is its selection as one of All Music Guide’s Best of 2005.
"Kim has performed all the pieces with the same passion and commitment to quality…Kim's labor of love has come to a satisfying conclusion with this CD, and the project — at least five years in the making — is a resounding success."
– All Music Guide
"As a Messiaen scholar and interpreter, Paul Kim’s affinity for, understanding of, and pianistic command of the composer’s singular idiom admirably manifest themselves."
– ClassicsToday
"…clear transparent quality, freezing even the brightest flashes of virtuosity into solidity, like stained glass rising bright and distant into the vaults."
– The New York Times
"…remarkable single-mindedness, idosyncratic (and wonderful) voicings, terrific control over a dynamic range from butterfly-wing pianissimo to thundering sforzando, and just enough expression to light up Messiaen’s slab of sound without diminishing their abstract mystical power."
– American Record Guide
The first volume is a three-disc set comprising the groundbreaking birdsong compositions (including the monumental Catalogue d'oiseaux). The two-disc second volume is devoted to the complete Vingt Regards de l’Enfant-Jésus.The third volume features Messiaen’s only two-piano work, Visions de l'Amen (here recorded by Paul Kim and his son Matthew; other works on this album include the Four Rhythmic Etudes and Cantéyodjayâ. The fourth and final volume is a collection of Messiaen’s early works including his Préludes and Les offrandes oubliées.
More about Dr. Kim
Faculty News
|
