Connections: The Music of Olivier Messiaen & His Students
Matthew Odell (piano)
Olivier Messiaen was one of the most influential teachers of the 20th century. He taught an international group of students who would go on to become influential composers and musical leaders, including William Bolcom, Karlheinz Stockhausn, Peter Maxwell Davies, Oliver Knussen, Iannis Xenakis, Quincy Jones, and the three composers on this recording. Pianist Matthew Odell demonstrates the importance of Messiaen's teaching contrasting his music with three of Messiaen's students. Matthew Odell has won acclaim for performances of a wide range of repertoire as a solo recitalist, soloist with orchestra, and chamber musician. In addition to performances in Weill Recital Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Merkin Hall, Mr. Odell has appeared at major venues around the world, including Paris, London, Moscow, and Helsinki, among many others. Mr. Odell served on the coaching faculty of the Académie internationale d'été in Nice, France.
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Track Listing
| Title | Composer | Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Cloches d'angoisses et larmes d'adieu (from Préludes) | Olivier Messiaen | Matthew Odell (piano) |
| Cloches d'adieu, et un sourire | Tristan Murail | Matthew Odell (piano) |
| Douze Notations | Pierre Boulez | Matthew Odell (piano) |
| Petites esquisses d'oiseaux | Olivier Messiaen | Matthew Odell (piano) |
| Jeu de quartes | Michel Merlet | Matthew Odell (piano) |
| Passacaille et fugue, Op. 36 | Michel Merlet | Matthew Odell (piano) |
| Regard de l'Esprit de joie (from Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus) | Olivier Messiaen | Matthew Odell (piano) |
Reviews
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"Matthew Odell's thoughtful programming and ordering of works on this recording make for a rich and thought-provoking listening experience on the artistic relationship between teacher and student. The individuality of each composer is distinct here, and hints at the diversity of voices within the modernist movement. What is most impressive on the recording, however, is Odell's ability to make such exhilaratingly virtuosic music so clean and vibrant in every moment. These composers are fortunate to have such a performer as their advocate."
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"This is a fascinating program. Taking as its starting point the music of Olivier Messiaen, the disc seeks to trace that composer's influence in the wake of his famous composition classes and mentorings. Another aspect that is immediately apparent is the quality of the recording: The full frequency spectrum is superbly caught, particularly the piano's glistening top register. Summing up then, this is a truly fabulous disc, beautifully recorded and played with the utmost passion."
*Album cover provided for Editorial use only. ©Albany Records. The Albany Imprint is a registered trademark of PARMA Recordings LLC. The views and opinions expressed in this media are those of the artist and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinions held by PARMA Recordings LLC and its label imprints, subsidiaries, and affiliates.