Description

Composed in 1944, the piano cycle Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus by Olivier Messiaen presents itself, according to the composer, as a “contemplation of the Christ Child in the manger and the Gazes which fall upon Him.” As firmly constructed as it is inspired, and abounding in pianistic novelties, it includes all the essential ingredients of Messiaen’s ever such personal musical idiom. Louise Bessette invites the listener to share here in a rare moment of eternity. “Messiaen has found in Louise Bessette, and no doubt for a long time to come, the most inspired modern performer of his works.” Yves Allaz, Journal de Genève