Olivier Messiaen
Birthday December 10, 1908
Birth Sign Sagittarius
#148,147 Most Popular
About
French composer, ornithologist, and organist who was one of the major composers of the 20th century. He was known for his complex rhythms that were inspired by Greek and Hindu repertoire. He frequently employed modes of limited transposition.
Before Fame
He enrolled in the Paris Conservatory at the young age of 11. He was made a prisoner of war in France during World War II, where he composed and performed a piece of chamber music with his fellow prisoners.
Trivia
He was influenced by many aspects of his life, including his Roman Catholic faith, Japanese music, the Bryce Canyon landscape in Utah, and the life and work of St. Francis of Assisi.
Family Life
He married the violinist Claire Delbos in 1932.
Associated With
He studied composition under Paul Dukas at the Paris Conservatory.
