Electronic music

Telharmonium - Scientific American 1907 (zoomed 400%, brightened)

Lev Termen playing - cropped

Stockhausen 1991 Studio

ANS Synthesiser, Glinka Museum

CSIRAC

RCA Mark II Sound Synthesizer

Electronic music refers to music that employs electronic musical instruments, digital instruments, and circuitry-based music technology in its production. It encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, making use of technology to produce sounds that are not possible with traditional acoustic instruments. The development of electronic music has significantly influenced many aspects of music production, leading to new forms of composition, performance, and listening experiences.

History

The history of electronic music dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the invention of devices such as the Theremin, Ondes Martenot, and the Trautonium. These early electronic instruments were initially used to mimic acoustic instruments but soon were utilized to explore new sonic territories. The 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of musique concrète in France, led by Pierre Schaeffer, and elektronische Musik in Germany, which focused on the use of synthesized sounds. The Moog synthesizer, developed by Robert Moog in the 1960s, played a pivotal role in the popularization of electronic music, making it more accessible to musicians and composers.

Genres

Electronic music spans a vast array of genres, each with its unique characteristics and sound. Some of the most prominent genres include:

• Ambient music: Focuses on creating a mood or atmosphere rather than traditional musical structure or rhythm.
• Techno: Characterized by repetitive beats and a strong emphasis on rhythm, originating from Detroit in the late 1980s.
• House music: Originated in Chicago in the early 1980s, known for its repetitive 4/4 beats and use of synthesizers and drum machines.
• Drum and bass: Emerged in the early 1990s in the UK, known for its fast breakbeats and heavy bass and sub-bass lines.
• Dubstep: Originated in South London in the late 1990s, characterized by sparse, syncopated rhythmic patterns and prominent sub-bass frequencies.

Production

Electronic music production has evolved significantly with advancements in technology. Early electronic music was produced using large and expensive modular synthesizers and tape machines. However, the advent of digital synthesizers, samplers, and sequencers in the 1980s and 1990s revolutionized music production, making it more accessible. Today, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are the cornerstone of electronic music production, allowing producers to compose, record, mix, and master music entirely within a computer environment.

Impact

The impact of electronic music extends beyond the realm of music production. It has influenced popular culture, fashion, and art, and has been integral to the development of club culture and the global festival scene. Electronic music has also paved the way for new forms of musical expression and experimentation, blurring the lines between genres and challenging traditional notions of music and sound.

See also

• Music technology
• Sound design
• Electronic dance music
• Synthesizer

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