Olivier Messiaen
Olivier Messiaen was a French composer, organist, and teacher, prominent in 20th-century classical music. He is known for his use of rhythm and harmony (including his modes of limited transposition), incorporation of birdsong, deep Catholic spirituality, and major works such as Quartet for the End of Time, Turangalîla-Symphonie, and Catalogue d'oiseaux.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Technique Of My Musical Language
A concise theoretical and practical exposition of a composer’s distinctive musical language, presenting systems such as modes of limited transposition, non-retrogradable rhythms, added values, and rhythmic procedures drawn from Greek and Indian sources. It explains his approach to harmony and chordal “colors,” the incorporation of birdsong and liturgical/modal influences, and offers analyses and musical examples illustrating form, thematic development, and compositional technique. The book serves as both manifesto and handbook, demonstrating how these devices produce a singular sonic world and guiding composers in applying them.