Olivier Messiaen Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

KanteyojayaOlivier Messiaen8rank/position

Messiaen: Cantéyodjayâ

Olivier Messiaen, a leading French composer of the 20th century, is known for music that employs mystical and religious themes, distinguished by complex rhythms, rich timbres, and a unique harmonic language.

His piano work Cantéyodjayâ is a challenging piece composed on the basis of Hindu rhythmic patterns and Carnatic music theory.

Progressing through layering and repetition, the piece reflects Messiaen’s musical exploration and maturity, making it indispensable for tracing his artistic path.

Its profound worldview—where the classical and the modern merge—comes recommended not only to music enthusiasts but also to those interested in spirituality and philosophy.

A Little Piece before the Grave of Paul DukasOlivier Messiaen9rank/position

Olivier Messiaen – Pièce pour le tombeau de Paul Dukas for Piano (1936) [Score-Video]

Olivier Messiaen, a leading French composer of the 20th century, created music born of his deep Catholic faith and fascination with birdsong.

His compositions are known for a highly complex and innovative approach to rhythm, harmony, and melody.

Among them, his piano piece “Piece for the Tomb of Paul Dukas,” written in memory of his beloved mentor Paul Dukas, conveys profound respect and gratitude to his teacher.

Evoking a static, solemn atmosphere like falling light in shades of orange, white, and gold, this work is a highly recommended piece for anyone wishing to explore the depths of Messiaen’s music.

20 Gazes Upon the Infant Jesus, No. 11: The Virgin’s First Holy CommunionOlivier Messiaen10rank/position

PTNA 2014 Competition National Finals / Grandmuse Division, Category B2, 1st Prize — Yu Teramura: From “20 Gazes Upon the Infant Jesus,” The Virgin’s First Holy Communion

Olivier Messiaen, a leading 20th-century French composer, is known for works that explore mystical and religious themes.

His music is characterized by complex rhythms, rich timbres, and distinctive harmonies.

The piano suite Vingt regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus (Twenty Contemplations on the Infant Jesus), composed in 1944, is a gem that reflects his profound sense of spirituality and love of nature.

The 11th piece, Première communion de la Vierge (The Virgin’s First Communion), overflows with Messiaen’s characteristic mystical beauty, weaving the theme of God while evoking birdsong.

Regardless of one’s faith, it is widely cherished as a moving work that invites deep introspection.

20 Gazes Upon the Infant Jesus, No. 15: The Kiss of the Child JesusOlivier Messiaen11rank/position

Messiaen: From 'Twenty Gazes upon the Infant Jesus' – No. 15, The Kiss of the Infant Jesus Piano: Yuri Ito

Twenty Contemplations on the Infant Jesus is a piano work by the French composer Olivier Messiaen.

This large-scale suite consists of 20 pieces centered on the childhood of Jesus Christ.

The 15th piece, The Kiss of the Infant Jesus, symbolically portrays a tender kiss bestowed upon the Christ child, and is renowned for its strikingly mystical and poetic beauty.

Characteristic of Messiaen’s religious and mystical style, the piece exquisitely fuses complex rhythms and harmonies with innovative melodies, leaving a profound impression on listeners.

It is a gem not only for those familiar with classical music but also for first-time listeners.

20 Gazes Upon the Infant Jesus, No. 1: The Gaze of God the FatherOlivier Messiaen12rank/position

Olivier Messiaen – Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus (1944)

Olivier Messiaen, a composer who epitomizes 20th-century France.

Among his works that pursue religious themes, perhaps the most famous is the piano suite Vingt regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus.

This large-scale set of twenty pieces was composed in Paris in 1944.

In the first piece, Regard du Père, the motif known as the “Theme of God,” which recurs throughout the work, is especially striking.

With its complex rhythms and harmonies and its rich sense of color, the piece conveys both the depth of Messiaen’s faith and his musical originality.

Although it demands advanced performance technique, its profound spirituality makes it a work well worth the challenge.

Exotic BirdsOlivier Messiaen13rank/position

Messiaen (O. Messiaen): Exotic Birds (Oiseaux exotiques) - PRIEM WIND ENSEMBLE

Olivier Messiaen, a representative composer of 20th-century France, possessed a rare talent that combined a mystical religious outlook, a deep love for birds, and a unique sense of color.

One of his major works, the piano cycle “Oiseaux exotiques” (“Exotic Birds”), is a large-scale composition of thirteen pieces that faithfully recreates the songs of birds from various regions of France, musically depicting their individual behaviors and habitats.

Its fantastical sonic world—woven from complex rhythms and rich harmonies—invites listeners into a nature scene brimming with exotic atmosphere.

With many outstanding performances by superb pianists, this piece is highly recommended for anyone interested in contemporary music.

Catalogue of Birds, Volume 1, No. 1: “Yellow-billed Chough”Olivier Messiaen14rank/position

Olivier Messiaen – Catalogue d’oiseaux (Book 1) [With score]

Olivier Messiaen—one of the 20th century’s leading French composers, organists, and teachers—created the work Catalog of Birds.

Based on Messiaen’s deep interest in birdsong and his field research, this ambitious piece seeks to capture nature’s beauty and complexity in music.

Catalog of Birds consists of seven volumes, each piece inspired by the calls of birds native to specific regions.

In the work that imitates the song of the Alpine chough from the Alps, one can sense Messiaen’s profound love of music and nature, born from his fascination with birdsong since his teenage years.

Even those unfamiliar with classical music may feel the mysterious beauty inherent in the natural world through this work.