His innovative use of colour, his conception of the relationship between time and music, and his use of birdsong are among the features that make Messiaen's music distinctive.
Hans innovative brug af farver, hans forestilling af sammenhængen mellem tid og musik, hans brug af fuglesang og hans ønske om at udtrykke religiøse ideer er blandt de træk, der gør Messiaens musik karakteristisk.