Xenakis and Grisey on Musical Time

Abstract

Many composers of the twentieth century have reflected on the topic of “musical time”. Two of them were Iannis Xenakis and Gérard Grisey. In this context, we can discuss some common ground, but also several differences. First, we discuss points of attraction as far as Xenakis’ and Grisey’s attitude towards musical time is concerned. Secondly, we point out the differences that imply Xenakis criticisms of integral serialism and the existing contradiction between serial structure and the musical result.