EW's GRADE
B+

Details Release Date: Nov 25, 2008; Lead Performance: Olivier Messiaen; Genre: Classical

To some, he's the greatest religious composer since Bach; to others, he's a wearisome channeler of mystic babble. The polarizing Frenchman would've turned 100 
in December, and Olivier Messiaen: The Anniversary Edition, a 14-disc box, commemorates his career. Worthy performers abound, but surprisingly, ''Des Canyons aux Etoiles,'' Messiaen's mesmerizing account of his trip to Utah, isn't here. Real fanatics might want to wait for DG's upcoming complete 32-disc set. B+

Originally posted Dec 03, 2008 Published in issue #1025 Dec 12, 2008 Order article reprints

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