A leading composer of 20th century art music, Olivier Messiaen was a key figure in the European avant-garde and a major inspiration for such composers as Boulez and Stockhausen, both of whom studied under Messiaen. This home video release features a performance of his Quartet for the End of Time, as played by The Messiaen Quartet in a recital at the Vaux De Cernay Abbey, as well as footage of the composer himself performing improvisations for organ at the Paris-Trinity Church. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide