Olivier Messiaen Quotes

#1. I give bird songs to those who dwell in cities and have never heard them, make rhythms for those who know only military marches or jazz, and paint colors for those who see none.

Olivier Messiaen

#2. My faith is the grand drama of my life. I'm a believer, so I sing words of God to those who have no faith.

Olivier Messiaen

#3. Birds are the first and the greatest performers.

Olivier Messiaen

#4. No one should be allowed to make music as if he were made of wood. One must reproduce the musical text exactly, but not play like a stone.

Olivier Messiaen

#5. The human being is flesh and consciousness, body and soul; his heart is an abyss which can only be filled by that which is godly.

Olivier Messiaen

#6. It's probable that in the artistic hierarchy birds are the greatest musicians existing on our planet.

Olivier Messiaen

#7. A true music, that is to say, spiritual, a music which may be an act of faith; a music which may touch upon all subjects without ceasing to touch upon God; an original music, in short, whose language may open a few doors, take down some yet distant stars.

Olivier Messiaen