Literature and the Arts

What are the characteristics of Messiaen's music?

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Messiaen's music is remarkably original and personal, rich in color and texture. It draws from many schools and styles, including electronic and serial music , and is often based on scale formulas of his own invention or on his studies of Asian music and birdsong. His compositions also reflect his profound religious mysticism, which is also expounded in his didactic prose works.

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Get more facts and information about Messiaen, Olivier . Or, view the full encyclopedia entry from The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.

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