Olivier Messiaen 1908 – 1992

Biography

Olivier Messiaen was born on December 10, 1908, in Avignon, France. Throughout his life, he developed a multifaceted career as a composer, organist, and ornithologist, bringing together seemingly disparate passions into a unified artistic vision. His work bridged the worlds of music, spirituality, and the natural world in ways that distinguished him as a truly original artist of the twentieth century.

As an organist and composer, Messiaen created works that reflected his deep engagement with both musical innovation and his profound interest in bird song and ornithology. These dual pursuits informed much of his compositional approach, making him a distinctive voice in modern classical music. His contributions spanned decades, establishing him as a significant figure in the musical landscape of his era.

Messiaen passed away on April 27, 1992, in Clichy, France, leaving behind a rich legacy of musical and artistic achievement. He was laid to rest at Saint-Théoffrey in the canton of La Mure, France. His life and work continue to be remembered as a testament to the power of combining multiple disciplines and passions into a coherent and meaningful artistic practice.