Quartet for the End of Time
The Hochelaga Trio and the exceptional clarinetist James Campbell offer a powerfully intense interpretation of Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time , which unites musicians and listeners in a sincere and profoundly human communion.
The concert includes a substantial introduction by the musicians, with some musical excerpts, which prepares the listener for a total immersion in this deeply moving work.
A striking masterpiece of chamber music
Olivier Messiaen composed the Quartet for the End of Time in 1940, while imprisoned at Stalag VIII-A in Görlitz. The work is inspired by the Angel of the Apocalypse's announcement, "There will be no more time," and was written for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, reflecting faith, hope, and the strength of the human spirit in extreme conditions.
On stage, the Hochelaga Trio and James Campbell breathe new life into this already moving piece , offering the audience a memorable experience of this masterpiece of the chamber music repertoire.
About the artists
TRIO HOCHELAGA
The Hochelaga Trio has distinguished itself on the international stage for the intensity of its performances, its artistic integrity, and the precision of its playing. Founded in 2000, the Hochelaga Trio has performed numerous concerts and tours in North America, Europe, and Asia. Highlights include its performance of Beethoven's Triple Concerto with the Tokyo New City Orchestra, the premiere of Jacques Hétu's Triple Concerto with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and performances at London's legendary Wigmore Hall and Venice's Palazzetto Bru Zane. For over 20 years, the Hochelaga Trio has also produced its own concert series in Montreal. The dozen recordings already released by the Hochelaga Trio have been warmly received by international critics.
JAMES CAMPBELL
clarinet
Juno winnerJames Campbell has been called “Canada’s pre-eminent clarinetist and wind soloist, by the Toronto Star, "Canada's premiere clarinetist" by the Ottawa Citizen, “a national treasure” by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and “one of the top half-dozen clarinetists in the world today” by Fanfare Magazine. He has performed as soloist and chamber musician in over 35 countries with over 65 orchestras including the Boston Pops, Montreal Symphony and the London Symphony. He has collaborated with Glenn Gould and Aaron Copland and toured with over 35 string quartets, including the Guarneri,
Amadeus(when he replaced an ailing Benny Goodman on a tour of California) and Vermeer. Of his over 60 recordings, the BBC and The Times of London rated his recording of the Brahms Clarinet Quintet as the best available. He has been named Canada’s Artist of the Year, awarded the Queen’s Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medal, an Honourary Doctor of Laws, and Canada’s highest honour, the
Order of Canada. He has recently been inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s Classical Music Hall of Fame. James was Professor of Music at the famed Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University from 1988-2019 and
continues to give concerts and masterclasses throughout the world. James has been Artistic Director of the Festival of the Sound since 1985. Under his direction the Festival has traveled to England, Japan, and the Netherlands and it has been the subject of documentaries by BBC Television, CBC Television and TV Ontario.
Listen to excerpts
Program
QUARTET FOR THE END OF TIME
OLIVIER MESSIAEN
1. Crystal Liturgy
2. Vocalise for the Angel who announces the end of Time
3. Abyss of the Birds
4. Interlude
5. Praise to the eternity of Jesus
6. Dance of Fury, for the seven trumpets
7. A jumble of rainbows, for the Angel who announces the end of Time
8. Praise to the immortality of Jesus
