Balint Andras Vargas – Conversations With Iannis Xenakis
Iannis Xenakis (1922-2001) was a Greek composer, architect and mathematician who pioneered the use of mathematics in musical composition, participated in the development of early electro-acoustic and electronic music, and was among the first to write music for specific architectural sites and vice versa. Published in 1996, the book Conversations With Iannis Xenakis is comprised of two interviews conducted with the composer by Balint Andras Vargas in 1980 and 1989.
Upon opening the book, one appreciates the large type, professional editing and simple English. It’s so easy and enjoyable to read! The bio on Xenakis is good except for the fact that there is no mention of his wife and kids. My only other beefs are that the chapters on musical theory are very technical and impenetrable to the layman; and at only seven pages, the chapter on his electro-acoustic and electronic music was frustratingly short. Despite that, I highly recommend Conversations With Iannis Xenakis to anyone who would like to take a deeper dive into the life, times and mind of one of the 20th century’s most notorious avant-garde composers.
Publisher: Faber & Faber Catalog Number: ISBN-10: 0571179592 Format: Book Size: 5.8” x 8.5” x 0.8” Binding: Paperback Pages: 255 Country: England Published: 1996 More: Amazon, Official
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