Quartet for the End of Time, St. John's Cathedral

Friday, January 18, 2008, 7:30 pm
St. John's Cathedral of Denver
1350 Washington Street Denver, CO 80203

The Colorado Chamber Players performed Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time at St. John's Cathedral in January 2008. This work, one of Messiaen's masterpieces, is scored for violin, clarinet, cello and piano, and had its premiere in a prison camp where Messiaen and three other musicians were interned after the French Army capitulated to Nazi Germany in June 1940. The piece is full of religious mysticism, and is one of the most powerful works of the 20th century.

Charles Martin Loeffler's atmospheric Two Rhapsodies for oboe, viola and piano were also performed. The rhapsodies are based on two horrifyingly beautiful poems by Maurice Rollinat. The pool contemplated in the first of the two pieces is a rather sinister place, with hobgoblins and toads. The bagpipe of the second piece symbolizes fear. Both pieces are delicate and exquisite.

The Quartet for the End of Time with CCP members, was included on a program in September 2008 at Bethany Lutheran Church, in collaboration with the American Guild of Organists, Denver chapter. The September concert paid tribute to Messiaen with piano and organ works, in addition to the Quartet for the End of Time.

Musicians Playing This Event

Andrew Cooperstock, Piano
Barbara Hamilton-Primus, Artistic Director & Viola
Lisa Brende Martin, Oboist
Paul Primus, Violinist
Daniel Silver, Clarinetist
Jeffrey Watson, Previous Artist, Cellist

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