XENAKIS, IANNIS  

The Romanian-born composer Iannis Xenakis, of Greek parentage, settled finally in Paris in 1947, taking out French citizenship. After earlier scientific training in Athens, he was largely self-taught as a composer, in Paris receiving encouragement from Messiaen. There is a close connection between mathematics and music in his work and with architecture.

In addition to the theoretical writings and teaching of Xenakis, there are a varied series of compositions, from the orchestral Metastasis of 1954, Pithoprakta and Achoripsis, to the Empreintes of 1975 and the 1979 Pleades, for percussion. Other instrumental music includes works for harpsichord, amplified or, in Khoai, unamplified.