Olivier Messiaen

French composer, organist and ornithologist (1908–1992)

Early Life and Education

Enrolled at the Paris Conservatoire

Early Career and World War II

Composed 'La Nativité du Seigneur'
Captured as a prisoner of war during World War II
Composed 'Quatuor pour la fin du temps' while in captivity
Released from captivity and returned to Paris
Appointed professor of harmony at the Paris Conservatoire

Mature Period

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Composed 'Livre d’orgue'
Married pianist Yvonne Loriod
Appointed professor of composition at the Paris Conservatoire

Late Period

Composed 'Saint François d’Assise'