An organ student of the famous Marcel Dupré, Olivier Messiaen was appointed organist of La Trinité in Paris at the age of 22, a post he was to hold for the next 40 years. He was to become the most influential French composer in the second half of the 20th century, demonstrating is brilliant use of the orchestra in one of his great masterpieces, the Turangalîla-Symphonie, and adding to the great tradition of French organ music. His innovative works for the piano, with their vast range of fresh and new sonorities, have become part of the regular recital repertoire, setting a challenge for the virtuosity of the performer.