Utah Symphony Orchestra; Thierry Fischer - Messiaen: Des canyons aux etoiles

Messiaen's lifelong engagement with Christian mysticism, birdsong and awestruck contemplation of the beyond finds its fullest expression in thismassive, exultant symphonic cycle.

Critical Acclaim:

Stefan Dohr's fearless account makes the most of its evocative mystery, while Jason Hardink's pianism has subtlety and poise. � Gramophone

Messiaen's music is brought to bear with incisive virtuosity allied to living in the transcendent moment and a sense of joy that extends to the whole ensemble. � BBC Music Magazine (Performance 4 STARS; Recording 4 STARS)

Specifically impressive are the brass chording, the woodwind flurries and the precision and bite of the percussion. The four soloists do the work proud. [�] Fischer holds the whole thing together and the work sparkles and shines. The recording, made in the studio, after a live performance on the site the work celebrates, is excellent. � MusicWeb International

On CDA68324 - Berlioz Symphonie fantastique & other works

Classics Today: The musicians certainly give their conductor everything he asks for in this generously filled all Berlioz disc.

Gramophone: Fischer is a fine Berliozian.

On CDA68223 - Saint-Saens: Symphony No 1 & The Carnival of the Animals:

BBC Music Magazine: The zoological fantasty may be the draw, but the symphonies steal the show.....a welcome disc for the wonderful performances of the sypmphonies.