Olivier Messiaen

The Profile

Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992) was a French composer, organist, and influential teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. A devout Catholic, he fused modes of limited transposition, complex rhythmic systems, synesthetic color, and birdsong into a distinctive musical language.

Quatuor pour la fin du temps (quartet for violin, clarinet, cello, and piano) was conceived in 1940 and premiered on 15 January 1941 at Stalag VIII-A, with Étienne Pasquier (cello), Jean le Boulaire (violin), Henri Akoka (clarinet), and Messiaen at the piano. Reviews highlight his use of added values and non-retrogradable rhythms, and the spiritual inspiration drawn from the Book of Revelation. Turangalîla-Symphonie (1946–48) features a large orchestra with prominent percussion, piano, and the Ondes Martenot, and embraces Eastern rhythmic ideas rather than classical thematic development. Messiaen is widely known for integrating birdsong into his music and for synesthetic associations of sound and color.

Three DeBaser reviews celebrate Messiaen’s vision: the Quatuor’s apocalyptic radiance and rhythmic ingenuity, and Turangalîla’s vast, percussive, ondes-rich exuberance. Writers highlight added values, non-retrogradable rhythms, synesthetic color, and Eastern influences. Spiritual themes and the Revelation of John loom large, with the Quatuor’s Praise movements singled out as devastatingly beautiful.