When was electronic music invented? This question has fascinated me for years, as I’ve delved into the vibrant world of synthesizers, drum machines, and digital audio workstations. The birth of electronic music is a fascinating journey that spans over a century, intertwining with advancements in technology and shifts in musical tastes. It’s a story of innovation, experimentation, and the relentless pursuit of new sounds.
We’ll explore the roots of electronic music, tracing its evolution from the late 19th century to the present day. I’ll guide you through the early experiments with electronic instruments, the groundbreaking developments in musique concrète and elektronische musik, and the rise of synthesizers that revolutionized popular music. Along the way, we’ll uncover how electronic music has shaped genres from disco to EDM, and examine the tools and techniques that have made electronic music production accessible to artists around the globe.
The Birth of Electronic Music (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
As we delve into the origins of electronic music, we find ourselves at the turn of the 20th century. This era marked the beginning of experimentation with emerging electronics, leading to the creation of the first electronic musical instruments. These initial inventions were not commercially available but were used in demonstrations and public performances.
While some were considered novelties producing simple tones, the Telharmonium stood out. Invented by Thaddeus Cahill in 1897, it was the first significant electronic musical instrument. The Telharmonium accurately synthesized the sound of orchestral instruments and achieved viable public interest. It made commercial progress by streaming music through telephone networks,
foreshadowing the future of electronic music distribution. Critics of musical conventions at the time saw promise in these developments, recognizing the potential for new forms of musical expression.
The Emergence of Musique Concrete and Electronic Music (1940s-1950s)
The 1940s and 1950s witnessed a revolutionary shift in the world of music with the emergence of two groundbreaking genres: musique concrète and elektronische musik. In 1948, Pierre Schaeffer, working at Radiodiffusion Française in Paris, pioneered musique concrète.
This innovative approach involved manipulating recorded sounds from various sources, including musical instruments and everyday objects. Schaeffer’s technique transformed these “concrete” sounds through methods like speed alteration, tape splicing, and playing recordings backward. His collaboration with Pierre Henry resulted in the first major musique concrète composition, “Symphonie pour un homme seul” (1950). Meanwhile, in Cologne, elektronische musik took shape at the NWDR studio.
This genre focused on electronically generated sounds and precise control over musical parameters. Karlheinz Stockhausen became a key figure in this movement, composing groundbreaking works that explored the possibilities of electronic sound synthesis and manipulation.
The Rise of Synthesizers and Electronic Pop (1960s-1970s)
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The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a revolution in electronic music, with synthesizers taking center stage. The Moog synthesizer, invented by Robert Moog in 1964, became a game-changer in the industry. This modular synthesizer established the analog synthesizer concept and opened up new possibilities for sound creation
The release of Wendy Carlos‘ “Switched-On Bach” in 1968 helped popularize the Moog and demonstrated its potential beyond experimental compositions. As synthesizers became more affordable and portable, they found their way into mainstream music. Bands like the Doors, the Grateful Dead, and the Beatles incorporated synthesizers into their music, paving the way for new electronic music genres.
The 1970s saw the rise of disco and the early beginnings of EDM, with electronic instruments playing a crucial role in shaping these genres. Synthesizers became a staple in progressive rock, used by bands like Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, further expanding the boundaries of electronic music production.
Conclusion
The journey of electronic music from its inception to its current state showcases a remarkable evolution in sound creation and musical expression. From the early experiments with the Telharmonium to the groundbreaking developments in musique concrète and elektronische musik, electronic music has constantly pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of sound. The rise of synthesizers in the 1960s and 1970s had a profound impact on popular music, paving the way for new genres and revolutionizing music production.
Looking back, it’s clear that electronic music has become an integral part of our musical landscape, influencing countless genres and shaping the way we create and consume music. As technology continues to advance, we can only imagine what new frontiers electronic music will explore in the future. The story of electronic music serves as a testament to human creativity and innovation, reminding us of the endless possibilities that arise when art and technology intersect.
FAQs
Who is credited with the invention of EDM music?
EDM, originally known as electro-funk or electro-boogie and later simply as electro, was pioneered by artists such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Afrika Bambaataa, Zapp, D. Train, and Sinnamon. The genre was heavily influenced by early hip hop, rap, and electropop from Germany and Japan, including notable influences from Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra.
When did digital music first appear?
The inception of commercial digital music recording can be traced back to Japan in the 1960s, spearheaded by NHK and Nippon Columbia under the Denon brand. The first commercial digital recordings emerged in 1971, while the BBC also experimented with digital audio during the same decade.
What was the style of electronic music popular in the 1980s called?
The 1980s electronic music style is known as Synthwave, which also goes by names like outrun, retrowave, or futuresynth. This genre primarily draws its influence from the music of 1980s action, science-fiction, and horror film soundtracks, as well as the art and video games from that era.
When was music technology first developed?
Music technology began with Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph in 1877, which initially used cylinders for recording. By the late 19th century, companies in the United States and England had started manufacturing disk recordings of music.