Quotes by Olivier Messiaen

About Olivier Messiaen:

Olivier Messiaen is rhythmically complex; harmonically and melodically it often uses modes of limited transposition, which he abstracted from his early compositions and improvisations. Messiaen also drew on his Roman Catholic faith for his pieces.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

The human being is flesh and consciousness, body and soul; his heart is an abyss which can only be filled by that which is godly.

Olivier Messiaen

I give bird songs to those who dwell in cities and have never heard them, make rhythms for those who know only military marches or jazz, and paint colors for those who see none.

Olivier Messiaen

It's probable that in the artistic hierarchy birds are the greatest musicians existing on our planet.

Olivier Messiaen

My faith is the grand drama of my life. I'm a believer, so I sing words of God to those who have no faith.

Olivier Messiaen

No one should be allowed to make music as if he were made of wood. One must reproduce the musical text exactly, but not play like a stone.

Olivier Messiaen

Author Bio

  • NameOlivier Messiaen
  • DescriptionFrench composer, organist and ornithologist
  • BornDecember 10, 1908
  • DiedApril 27, 1992
  • CountryFrance
  • ProfessionComposer; Organist; Ornithologist; Music Educator; Musicologist; Music Theorist; Pianist
  • WorksSaint François D'Assise; Éclairs Sur L'au-delà...; Thème Et Variations
  • AwardsGrand Cross Of The Legion Of Honour; Grand Merit Cross Of The Order Of Merit Of The Federal Republic Of Germany; Commander Of The Order Of The Crown; ; Erasmus Prize; Léonie Sonning Music Prize