Works performed by Earplay:

Quatour pour la Fin du Temps

Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992), French composer, organist, and writer, as one of the most original composers of the century and had a strong influence on the next generation of composers. The music of Olivier Messiaen stands out for the depth of spirituality that lies behind it. He was a highly original composer whose style embraced a markedly wide range of influences and reflects his own unique synthesis of these ideas.

Messiaen was born in the southern part of France, but he began his studies at the Paris Conservatory at the age of 11. As a student he received the highest honors, and eventually returned to the conservatory to teach from 1941 to 1978. He also served as organist at the Church of the Trinity in Paris. Along with his compositional work, he wrote theoretical works in which he explained the principles of his complex and original musical style.

[from program for May 20, 2009 concert]