English pianist Roderick Chadwick has recorded the second volume in a series which presents Books 2 through 5 of Messiaen's "Catalogue d'oiseaux" coupled with works which are linked either in style or subject matter. This follows the well-received issue in October 2020 of the first volume, entitled 'La Mer Bleue' which included Book 1 of the Catalogue.
This double album is a continuation of Chadwick's journey through Messiaen's "Catalogue d'oiseaux", programming it alongside an array of solo piano works that share its themes, atmospheres and inspirations. The latest issue features Books 2 through 5, including the cycle's great centrepiece 'La rousserolle effarvatte' (The Reed Warbler), which evokes the sights and sounds of the Sologne region across a full day's span.
Roderick Chadwick, as both soloist and collaborator, has performed some of the most challenging works for piano; his recent Stockhausen disc was highly praised. He is a particular expert on Messiaen and in 2018 co-authored and published a book on the Catalogue d'oiseaux. He lives in South London and is Reader in Music at the Royal Academy of Music.