"I give bird songs to those who dwell in cities and have never heard them, make rhythms for those who know only military marches or jazz, and paint colors for those who see none"

Olivier Messiaen's quote perfectly encapsulates his method to music as a gift that goes beyond standard experiences and environments. In this quote, he reveals his desire to offer varied, typically neglected elements of nature and human feeling-- such as birdsong, rhythm, and color-- to people who may not generally experience them.

Messiaen was a renowned French composer understood for his unique ability to integrate natural noises, especially birdsongs, into his music. By stating "I provide bird songs to those who dwell in cities and have actually never heard them", Messiaen highlights his intention to bring the sublimity and purity of nature into metropolitan spaces. In bustling city environments, where the sounds of nature are typically muffled by the cacophony of human activity, Messiaen's music acts as a conduit for the serene and intricate charm of birdsong, reminding city occupants of a world that exists beyond concrete and steel.

The next part of the quote, "make rhythms for those who understand only military marches or jazz", suggests that Messiaen's structures are suggested to present listeners to brand-new patterns of sound that break away from the consistency and predictability of established categories like military marches and jazz. While valuing the value in these established types, Messiaen undertakings to broaden the listener's sonic combination, offering rhythms that are maybe more complex, irregular, or spiritually uplifting.

Lastly, when Messiaen says he "paints colors for those who see none", he metaphorically refers to his music's ability to evoke vivid imagery and feelings where there might be a lack of visual or emotional stimulus. His compositions are frequently noted for their abundant textures and intricate harmonies, developing a sense of color and vibrancy through sound. This can be viewed as a form of synesthesia, where his music transcends acoustic understanding and impacts other senses and emotional states.

In general, Messiaen's quote embodies his creative mission: to enrich human experience through music by recording and sharing the beauty of the natural and metaphysical worlds. His work acts as a bridge, linking listeners to the wonders that might otherwise stay undetected or unappreciated in their every day lives.