The Romanian-born composer Iannis Xenakis, of Greek parentage, settled finally in Paris in 1947, taking out French citizenship. After earlier scientific training in Athens, he was largely self-taught as a composer, in Paris receiving encouragement from Messiaen. There is a close connection between mathematics and music in his work, as well as a connection with architecture.

Music
In addition to the theoretical writings and teaching of Xenakis, there are a varied series of innovative compositions, from the orchestral Metastaseis of 1954, Pithoprakta (1955–6) and Achorripsis (1956–7) to the Empreintes of 1975 and the 1979 Pléïades for percussion. Other instrumental music includes works for harpsichord, amplified (Naama) or unamplified (Khoaï).