A comparison of the musical and scientific thinking of Xenakis with that of ancient China: the architecture of scales and the notion of Lu

摘要

The way that Xenakis’s music and thinking references both ancient Greek and contemporary understanding of the nature of the cosmos is compared to parallel relationships in ancient Chinese thought. This helps to build a bridge between cultures – historically and geographically - illuminating concepts and values on both sides, as well as offering insights into the intelligent listening and appreciation of both Xenakis’s compositions and the traditional music of China.