About
Giannis Klearchou Xenakis was a Romanian-born Greek-French avant-garde composer, music theorist, architect, performance director, and engineer. He was known for his innovative and experimental approach to music composition, often incorporating mathematical and architectural concepts into his works. His unique approach left a lasting impact on the world of contemporary classical music. He used stochastic mathematical models in his compositions.
Career Timeline
Metastasis Premiere
Xenakis's piece Metastasis is premiered marking his breakthrough as a composer.
Stochastic Music Begins
Pioneering work in stochastic music begins to garner attention.
Philips Pavilion
Collaborates with Le Corbusier, solidifying his place in avant-garde circles.
Founding CEMAMu
Establishes CEMAMu, advancing research in musical acoustics.
International Recognition Grows
Gains international recognition for his contributions to contemporary music.
Praemium Imperiale Award
Wins the Praemium Imperiale award, further cementing his legacy.
Iannis Xenakis Dies
Death marks the end of a unique career, remembered by niche enthusiasts, but limited mainstream recognition.
Lasting Avant-Garde Influence
Continues to be remembered for his experimental and innovative music but not widely known.
Related Celebrities
Last updated: February 21, 2026