 The primary area where Xenakis and DeLio differ is in the use of mathematics, which is integral in Xenakis's compositions.DeLio states, “My music is not really mathematical at all!”

The influence of Cage is evident in DeLio's use of sounds outside of the standard dodecaphonic system.“Prior to the 20th century,” DeLio notes, “the sonic materials of Western music were restricted to a set of twelve pitch classes.