Olivier Messiaen is often regarded as the most important French composer of the twentieth century after Debussy and is one of the most influential composers of the century in any country. His music redefined the avant-garde yet is often tonal, accessible, and beautiful. Messiaen’s music is known for its devoted adherence to Catholic theological subjects and for its transcriptions of birdsong. His most famous works include Quatuor pour la fin du temps and Turangalîla-symphonie.
Olivier-Eugène-Prosper-Charles MESSIAEN (IPA: [mɛsjɑ̃])
French composer, performer, teacher and ornithologist
Born: Avignon, France, 10 December 1908
Died: Clichy near Paris, France, 27 April 1992
Father: Pierre Messiaen (1883-1957, scholar of English literature)
Mother: Cécile Sauvage (1883-1927, poet)
Brother: Alain Messiaen
Wife: Claire Delbos (1906-1959, musician, married 1934)
Son (with Delbos): Pascal Messiaen (born 1937)
Wife: Yvonne Loriod (born 1924, musician, married 1961)