Olivier Messiaen (jan 13, 1908 – sep 6, 1992)
Description:
An organist and influential French composerBorn in France; studied at the Paris Conservatoire
Joined the French army during WW2 and was captured in 1940 (released in 1941)
Became a professor at the Paris Conservatoire
Seeks to present “an experience of concentrated meditation,” inspired by his devout Catholic faith
Inspired by bird song
Often based on modes of limited transposition (his own term)
Treats rhythm as a matter of duration, not meter
Often uses nonretrogradable rhythms (his own term)
Features beautiful timbres and colourful harmonies
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 13, 1908
sep 6, 1992
~ 84 years
