Reviews & Editorial
Gramophone Magazine Awards issue September 2008
The Berlin Philharmonic, Kent Nagano and Pierre-Laurent Aimard? Yes, the 2000 recording issued on Warner Classics is every bit as good as that pedigree would suggest. The sheer depth of recorded sound in the opening movement is phenomenal, the physicality of the bass drum and the stabbing power of brass revealing an exciting vista of sound. And then things get really good: its not just that Nagano articulates the piece through the impervious power of the Berlin Philharmonic. The first movement montage is fast and exhilarating, but Nagano adds all the component layers into a satisfying, mutually referential whole. He lets rip where needed, and shows a modicum of restraint as he shapes the lyrical love themes. Wisdom tumbles from Aimards cultivated fingers. Far be it for me to disagree with Olivier Messiaen but I know which version I think is definitive.
The Ultimate Choice
I know, I know this is exactly the sort of version a critic would choose, but the combination of the Berlin Philharmonic on top form and the expert fingers of Pierre-Laurent Aimard is irresistible. The deep, resonant recorded sound also helps.
Reviewer : Philip Clark
