Olivier Messiaen. Favourite French composer, organist, ornithologist. A legendary composer of 20th century. Music so rhythmically complex. Harmonically, melodically perfect.
Beautiful music for chamber ensembles, orchestra, vocal music, religious pieces for organ, piano. Experimented with use of novel electronic instrument sounds. Distinctive, vibrant use of colours, bird sounds, spaces between time & music.
Turangalîla-Symphonie, a marvellous piece of orchestral music unfurling peace, passion, joy. Inspiring & innovative.
Turangalîla combines 2 Sanskrit words – turanga meaning time which flows, movement or rhythm & lîla meaning cosmic creation.