Thematic Sessions > Risset & Beyond

Jean-Claude Risset, a key figure in the development of computer music, blending computer science, sound synthesis, and musical composition.

Jean-Claude Risset is one of the pivotal figures in the invention and development of computer music starting in the 1960s, bridging fundamental computing, musical creation, auditory perception studies, and the musicological challenges of his time. His diverse work as a researcher in sound perception, a pioneer in sound synthesis tools, and a composer of mixed music has established him as a leading figure in the interdisciplinary field of Arts, Science, and Technology (AST). The PRISM laboratory is currently finalizing the digitization and online publication of Jean-Claude Risset's scientific and artistic paper archives.

As we look ahead to 2025, over 60 years after his initial work, the following questions guide our reflections on his legacy in sound synthesis, mixed composition, and the use of the Disklavier in contemporary music creation:

• Is the idea of “creating sound itself” still relevant in the 21st century, when synthesis and sound processing technologies are increasingly integrated?
• How have the challenges of mixed composition, central to Risset’s work, evolved with the rise of AI-driven tools for generating musical materials and forms?
• In a context of constant technological innovation, what aspects of Jean-Claude Risset’s work remain modern and influential?
• Can we identify a lineage of composer-programmers following the Risset-Stroppa-Blondeau model?