Among his most important works are Quartet for the End of Time , which is based on the Book of Revelations and was composed in a German prisoner of war camp. Another work, composed two years later, is the Twenty Contemplations on the Child Jesus , which expands on the marvelous colors, rhythmic virtuosity and bridsongs found in the Quartet. And I have a profound love of nature. I've studied ornithology. I love bird songs and have transcribed a great number of them, which find their way into my music.
Birds are the greatest musicians on the planet.
Messiaen gave an address at Notre Dame Cathedral where he spoke about religious music, color and dazzlement. He was indeed both a great composer and a great Christian, one who united his love of nature with the love of Christ.