Olivier Messiaen

Olivier Messiaen... composer, prisoner, Christian

Spend the term studying one of the most unique composers of classical music. Born in France and highly gifted in music, Olivier Messiaen was inspired by birdsong, Hindu rhythms, and Japanese music. A deeply religious person, many of his works explore the emotions and nuances of faith and Scripture.

• Enjoy a deep dive study of his masterpiece Quartet for the End of Time, written during his incarceration in a German POW camp.
• Learn about chromesthesia, a sensory condition that adds a level of beauty to his work.

This guide is designed to be used over one term (12 weeks) with one lesson occurring every week for approximately 20 minutes. I do encourage you to informally listen to various pieces aside from formal lesson times.

Supplies needed:

• listening device
• Bible
• Music for the End of Time by Jen Bryant
• The Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock

*the guide includes QR Codes for easy links, if you choose to print the document.

For printing, we recommend our print partner Humble Heart Press.

** due to the nature of digital products, we are unable to accept returns.