On the heels of its debut record Adjust (“unfurling melodic ideas.. a flurrying world of motifs.. enjoyable group tumult.” - The New York Times), Anzû Quartet will release its second album: a new recording of Olivier Messiaen’s monumental Quatuor pour la fin du temps (Quartet for the End of Time), out on Cantaloupe Music in February, 2026. Composed and premiered in a German P.O.W. camp in 1941, this work is one of the most consequential compositions of the 20th century. It is Messiaen’s first masterpiece - a brilliant, innovative work contemplating war, captivity, the divine, and the eternal.

Despite the immense impact of the piece, very little work has been composed for this instrumentation, and historically there have been nearly no touring groups formed for this instrumentation. As a result, many recordings and performances are presented by ad hoc ensembles. The Anzû Quartet is explicitly dedicated to this instrumentation. They have performed the Quatuor numerous times across the US and Europe, and are continuously commissioning new pieces for this distinct instrumentation in order to build a broad, diverse body of work around Messiaen’s masterpiece.

The Anzû Quartet’s approach to the Quatuor pour la fin du temps is reflective of the ensemble's dedication to contemporary music. Unlike previous recordings, which have typically been performed by musicians steeped in an older “clasical” style, Anzû interprets this work through a modern lens, treating it as a harbinger of post-WWII modernity and today’s contemporary composition rather than an extension of 19th century romanticism. The performance adheres closely to Messiaen’s instruction, deliberately eschewing certain conventions that, while not indicated in the score, have become standard practice. The result is a brilliantly virtuosic and fresh take on this important work, coming from musicians who have been instrumental in the work of important US contemporary ensembles Bang on a Can, Eighth Blackbird, Mivos Quartet, Ensemble Signal, and Bearthoven.

Since its inception in 2020, Anzû Quartet has highlighted Messiaen’s quartet alongside their own commissions on multiple concert tours, including performances in the United States, Germany, Austria, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Croatia in addition to the US. Upcoming appearances include performances at Duke University and an album release concert in New York City.

Recorded by Paul Coleman
Mixed by Mike Tierney
Mastered by Andeas Meyer

Performed by the Anzû Quartet:
Ken Thomson - clarinet
Olivia De Prato - violin
Ashley Bathgate - cello
Karl Larson - piano