John Chowning

The Profile

American composer and researcher best known for discovering FM synthesis, a breakthrough that reshaped electronic and computer music and led to the Yamaha DX7. His landmark works include Stria, Turenas, Sabelithe, and Phoné. He is associated with Stanford University and founded CCRMA.

Discovered FM synthesis in 1967; collaborated with Yamaha, resulting in the DX7; composed Stria, Turenas, Sabelithe, and Phoné; founder of CCRMA at Stanford University.

Review covers four key works—Sabelithe, Turenas, Stria, and Phoné—framing Chowning’s 1967 discovery of FM synthesis and its impact (notably the Yamaha DX7). It analyzes spatialization, timbral mimesis, and Stria’s golden-ratio pitch design. Overall verdict: essential listening for electronic and computer music history.