This fine Danish ensemble offers a sleek, lyrical and muscular account of Quartet for the End of Time, plus two intriguing early works for violin and piano.

Ensemble Nordlys give a deeply considered performance of the Quartet. They pay close attention to the composer's indications of tempo and dynamics, and play with concentrated commitment. In the opening 'Liturgie de cristal', Viktor Wennesz gives the leading clarinet part a sense of spontaneous flow. And Øystein Sonstad sustains the slow cello line of the 'Louange à l'éternité de Jésus' with admirable control and imagination.

Each of these pieces is excellently played and inspires and moves. It is an essential purchase for all enthusiasts of Messiaen’s music and provides great interest by showcasing two of the composer’s lesser-known works with the great masterpiece Quatuor pour la fin du temps.