Review: Nelsons, Wang and Boston Deliver An Exciting Turangalila (Don't Believe The Naysayers)

[@charleslawson6824]

This is an extraordinary piece―and it’s extraordinarily difficult to record properly. Shawn Murphy, Nick Squire, and Cole Barbour have done an admirable job. It’s especially hard to get the Ondes Martinot balanced while preserving a sweet and mournful character when required. It is beautifully represented here...even if it disappears somewhat during that angry, growling phase in the first movement. I’ve had the opportunity to record this piece twice in the course of my career and it never fails to amaze me as a pinnacle of 20th Century composition. It simply gets better every time I hear it. Any release that brings fresh attention to this magnificent work is worthwhile in my book!

[@benjamingreenfield9569]

It’s important that Boston FINALLY recorded it! They did the premiere, it’s about time they recorded it. I was particularly impressed by how beautiful the orchestra sounds in the 4th movement in particular. I agree about the finale, the volume he gets on the final chord is just thrilling. They really play loud there.

[@organist2012]

Yes! i 've heard the Turangalila several times in The Netherlands with Messiaen in the public and the last chord was always extremely long (like written) and at the end (the Tamtam!) extremely loud, really earsplitting. That's wat he wanted! When its not (mostly I must say), I am very disappointed.

[@benjamingreenfield9569]

@ Nelsons is often one of the conductors who doesn’t play loud enough so it was a pleasant surprise to me that he got the volume required.

[@MikeRusso2000]

I was there one evening, first time hearing it live. It was an absolutely electrifying experience to watch it come together in a live setting. I own both Salonen’s excellent recording as well as the underwhelming effort from Kent Nagano. I hope DG releases physical product - I still collect vinyl and cds.

[@robh9079]

Epic piece - I have the same story - small store, looking at classical - mm what's this double? It was my 2nd LP ever, I think I had the Maurice Le Roux, definitely both Loriods. Heard/saw it at the proms 82(?). A good partner to my 1st LP; Rite of Spring! - Pierre Monteux on Decca with the fungi on the cover. Can't imagine a piano duet version of this....!

[@tonyxie7283]

I was at one of the performances, and it was absolutely electrifying. Yuja had to cover her ears in the finale because it was simply too loud!

[@barryguerrero6480]

According to DG's own website, they will release the CD in 2025. If so, I will definitely buy a copy. My litmus test is if a recording makes me 'like' a piece of music, and this one definitely does just that. I'm on the fence with the "Turangalila" Symphony in general. Some recordings make me like it, others don't. It's my understanding that Messiaen never intended for the work to played in its entirety. He allegedly envisioned people choosing various movements to make up a 'symphony' or 'suite' from the available material.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

That's wrong. He offered the possibility of performing extracts in various combinations, but the reality is that if you can bother with some of it, you might as well do all of it.

[@zdl1965]

Actually saw Angela Hewitt perform it live, which was thrilling. Looking forward to BBC Music Magazine releasing it as a free CD!

[@1-JBL]

Such a fantastic work -- little wonder it entered the repertory. I was very surprised to find Wang had added it to her catalogue, but boy, she sure hits a home run here.

[@garthhudson]

You met Messiaen!? Don't remember you sharing this story!

[@robh9079]

How about a brief episode on your composer meetings?!

[@LinnyRaven]

This new recording has opened my appreciative ears to a piece that I didn’t like that much in the past

[@joshcox9195]

I was fortunate enough to attend one of these performances. I agree with Dave. "In the room," it was stunning. I had never heard it live until that evening. It really was a great performance, not as good as the studio recordings I own but very impressive as a live experience. I can't wait to hear the recording.

[@gerbs139]

I had the same good fortune, though having heard Ozawa/BSO 20+ years earlier, I had mildly lowered expectations. No need - everyone involved was on top of their game and the overall impact was tremendous.

[@hallingerman2168]

Dave, how is the tam-tam? What recording in your opinion has the most expansive tam-tam? It's a lovely and mysterious work. Do you like the Previn? Thank you!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I don't listen for the tam-tam exclusively, believe it or not...Anyway, see my reviews at ClassicsToday.com.

[@HassoBenSoba]

I've heard them all..good, bad and indifferent, and PREVIN is still tops, IMO. Looking forward to hearing the new BSO, once it's released in CD form. LR

[@tedwilson2805]

You are not alone, The Guardian published a very positive review earlier this week.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Sort of. They didn't really talk about anything but Wang.

[@leestamm3187]

​@@DavesClassicalGuide Yeah, I noticed that, too. The big name headliners have always drawn the predominant attention from the press.

[@UlfilasNZ]

Well, "doesn't fully convince" isn't an overly positive revew.

[@leestamm3187]

​​@@UlfilasNZ I just revisited the review. The "less than convincing" refers to the overall performance. Specifically in regard to Wang, the review is very positive.

[@stevebartley8902]

Oh the joy I felt when buying that first recording all those years go. 🤓

[@IanKnight40]

I was impressed.. I rest my case!

[@Listenerandlearner870]

She is super. I will get the cd if it exists. The extracts I've heard have a great balance between piano, ondes and percussion in particular.

[@deathisaprimitiveconcept]

CD is coming in 2025 apparently.