Iannis xenakis biography graphic organizer

Biography of Iannis Xenakis

Iannis Xenakis was a French composer, music theorist, and architect of Greek origin.

He is considered one of the most important post-war avant-garde composers. Xenakis was a pioneer in the use of mathematical models in music, applying set theory, random processes, and game theory to music theory. He also had a direct influence on the development of electronic music.

Some of his most important works include "Metastaseis" (1953-1954), an orchestral work that provided independent parts for each musician in the orchestra; percussion compositions such as "Psappha" (1975) and "Pléïades" (1979); compositions experimenting with sound diffusion by placing musicians among the audience, such as "Terretektorh" (1966); electronic works created using Xenakis' invented UPIC system; and large-scale multimedia (light-music) performances