Olivier Messiaen - Turangalila Symphonie (Seiji Ozawa)

Information

Composer: Olivier Messiaen

• Turangalila Symphonie (2025 Remastered Version)

Yvonne Loriod, piano

Jeanne Loriod, ondes Martenot

Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Seiji Ozawa, conductor

Date: 1968 / 2025

Label: Sony Classical

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This historic recording, made in 1967 with the composer present, firmly established Seiji Ozawa's reputation for his ability to recreate Messiaen's unique, vibrant sound, overwhelmingly rich dynamics, and dramatic developments with unparalleled passion. Even compared to the many outstanding performances that followed, its appeal remains undiminished. The soloists, including the premiere members, are Messiaen's wife Loriod and her sister.

Seiji Ozawa (1935–2024) was a pioneering conductor known for his energetic style and interpretations of 19th-century Western symphonic music. Born in Manchukuo to Japanese parents, he shifted from piano to conducting after a hand injury and studied under Hideo Saito. After early success in Japan, he won major competitions in Europe and trained at Tanglewood. He held leadership posts with the Ravinia Festival, Toronto and San Francisco symphonies, and served as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1973 to 2002. Ozawa also founded the Saito Kinen Orchestra and Festival, led the Vienna State Opera, overcame health setbacks, published Absolutely on Music, and received major international honors.