"Eötvös writes as though any experimentation, potential departure from the expected, or desire to shock has been wrung out and expunged before a note is played. Yet innovative this music decidedly is. And these performances - by two different sets of appropriately-versed musicians - are clarion, authoritative, almost (justifiably) proud, striking, colourful and accessible. This music is indubitably of our age ... In the end, Eötvös's music offers great satisfaction and a sense of summation - few loose ends. Puzzles maybe. But not insoluble puzzles ... Each performer is fully engaged. Texts are articulated with excitement, exactitude and an implicit wish to communicate, rather than merely to present. An ounce less refinement and hallelujah - oratorio balbulum could quite easily have been a mere statement. This doesn't happen ... Alle vittime is ... purely orchestral. Yet has the same impact and sense of measured urgency as hallelujah. Just when you feel the music 'scatters' there's consolidation; and just when it seems as though the path is clear, it splits ... This - thankfully - is music to make you think ... If you're new to the music of Eötvös, give these two searing yet fully integrated pieces a try. If you already know his work, snap this CD up"