Composed in 1941 while Messiaen was interned in a German prisoner-of-war camp, the Quartet For the End of Time is one of the most highly regarded chamber works of the 20th century. The work is written for violin, cello, piano and clarinet. Messiaen’s musical language is unique: the beauty, emotion, and transcendent sense of spirituality present in his work is easily appreciated by all.
In addition to featuring a remarkable work of music, Color…for the End of Time highlights recent links between art and science. Messiaen had synesthesia, a neurological condition in which two or more bodily senses are coupled. This condition resulted in Messiaen’s being able to see in his mind’s eye colors triggered by specific musical chords. Like all synesthetes, Messiaen had no control over his color/music associations and they remained the same throughout his life.