Stochastic Jeux

Abstract

This article shows the similarities between Claude Debussy’s and Iannis Xenakis’ philosophy of music and work, in particular the formers Jeux and the latter’s Metastasis and the stochastic works succeeding it, which seem to proceed parallel (with no personal contact) to what is perceived as the evolution of 20th century Western music. Those two composers observed the dominant (German) tradition as outsiders, and negated some of its elements considered as constant or natural by "traditional" innovators (i.e. serialists): the linearity of musical texture, its form and rhythm.

Keywords

• Claude Debussy
• Iannis Xenakis
• Jeux
• Metastasis
• masses of sound
• serialism