The Origin of Quartet for the End of Time

The podcast discusses the origin of a piece of music called Quartet for the End of Time, written by French composer Olivier Messian. The composer wrote this piece while being held as a prisoner of war during World War II. Messian detailed his experiences in the camp, including how he clung to miniature scores as a source of consolation. Despite the difficult conditions, he was allowed to keep his scores and given writing materials. In January 1941, Messian and three other musicians premiered the piece using beaten-up instruments. Their performance was witnessed by guards and fellow prisoners.