OLIVIER MESSIAEN (1908-1992): La transfiguration de Notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ (Yvonne Loriod [piano], Arturo Muruzabal [cello], Ludwig van Gijsegem [tenor], Reiner Holthaus [baritone], Belgian Radio and TV Choir, Groot Omroepkoor and Hilversum Radio Symphony Orchestra; Reinbert de Leeuw), Visions de l'Amen (Maarten Bon, de Leeuw [pianos]), 7 Haïkaï, Couleurs de la cité céleste, Un vitrail et des oiseaux, Oiseaux exotiques (Loriod [piano], Ensemble Intercontemporain; Pierre Boulez), Des canyons aux étoiles... (Asko Ensemble, Schönberg Ensemble, Percussion Group of The Hague; de Leeuw).

Description: Outside of the old 18-disc set on Warner Classics (originally Erato), this reissue is the only place you will find a budget-price version of the 90-minute long, otherworldly Couleurs de la cité while the equally long Transfiguration has only one other recording available. The wonders of Utah's canyon country inspired the former while the latter is yet another one of Messiaen's mystical meditations on Catholic mysteries. At the price, collectors interested in Messiaen's piano works or shorter compostions could shed their timidity and give his massive statements a chance. 6 CDs. Budget-price. Original 1988 and 1994 Disques Montaigne releases.