The author commences by explaining the potential of electronic and computer music. The second part focuses on the synthesis of instrumental timbre and its use to create new sounds like inharmonic tones using computers. In the third part, he demonstrates sound illusions using pitch and rhythm. The final part contains some observations on various issues in computer music: higher-level structures, problems of research in digital synthesis, real-time possibilities, the use of natural sounds. He concludes with a plea calling for synthesis software to contain an open-ended interface so that they can be flexible and adaptable to individuals' musical needs.