Although the title of this album refers to its brilliant, dissonant centerpiece—Messiaen’s Visions de l’Amen—it also points toward the programming philosophy of this excellent two-piano collection: the Naughtons’ boldly imaginative vision in choosing such diverse works. There is a liturgical thread running through the three pieces on this record, to be sure. On the level of the music, however, each of these works represents a unique moment in the history of counterpoint and harmony, from the innovative polyphony of Bach to the post-minimal textures of Adams. The Bach is an especially interesting choice, cleansing the sonic palate between the two 20th-century monuments.
- Sakari Oramo, The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra & Helsinki Chamber Choir
- Isaac Stern & Yefim Bronfman
- Romuald Tecco, Dennis Russell Davies & Cabrillo Music Festival Orchestra
- Jonathan Aasgaard & Gerard Schwarz
- Alina Ibragimova & Steven Osborne
- JoAnn Falletta, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Ludwig, Ya-Fei Chuang & Roman Mekinulov