
The first part of this article analyses the influence of medieval chant on twentieth century composer Messiaen, the technical components of chant as discussed by M. in his publications (Technique de mon langage musical and Traité de Rythme, de Couleur, et d'Ornithologie), and the characteristics of chant quotations in M.'s compositions.
The second part is a discussion of organ compositions that do not contain chant quotations, but in which M. used compositional techniques derived from chant.
The article concludes with additional examples that indicate that M. used chant quotations and compositional techniques derived from chant in order to express his Catholic faith on a grander scale.