Lejaren Hiller

Why this artist matters now

Lejaren Hiller was an American composer and pioneer of computer-assisted music composition. Beginning in the 1950s, he used early mainframe computers to generate and analyze musical structures, creating algorithmic compositions that treated the computer as a compositional tool rather than a mere instrument. His work at the University of Illinois established computer music as a serious compositional practice and influenced generations of digital composers. Hiller's output ranged from fully computer-generated pieces to hybrid works that combined algorithmic processes with traditional orchestration.

Source: Moma Bulk 2026 05 04 · Trust score: 92% · Updated 1mo ago