Messiaen, Olivier – “Eclairs Sur L’au-dela… ” – [EMI Records Ltd.]

What may be Messiaen’s final symphony (at least he did not live to hear it played)is performed by the Berlin Philharmonic as conducted by Simon Rattle on this fine release. This disc is not for everyone – it is dramatic, seeping, wandering, sleeping, pensive and reflective. It is inspired by birdsong and carried out by orchestra. It is the antithesis of catchiness. Yet one tends to emerge from the listening a little bit refreshed. There is some variety amongst the tracks, but all are part of the whole. On the whole, a fine composition.