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Post by jk on Aug 3, 2022 6:22:02 GMT -5
Prompted by gigantiskpyjamas ’ Kraftwerk remarks in the main section, this new thread is devoted mainly to early examples of synthesizer pop before the likes of Depeche Mode and Human League exploded onto the scene. Although they are not unwelcome either. So please, folks, don't be bashful. First off is this fascinating video in which Wendy Carlos (she of the thread title) explains and demonstrates her Moog. As commenter Uosdwis R Dewoh points out, "She was already well into transitioning at this point but was afraid of how she might be treated and so wore fake sideburns and a man's wig." Don't forget this was 1970, when trans people were even less understood and/or accepted than gays. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendy_Carlos |
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Post by gigantiskpyjamas on Aug 3, 2022 10:29:01 GMT -5
Great thread, jk!
Funnily enough I rewatched this fascinating video just the other day, along with other gems from the BBC archive featuring Peter Howell and Delia Derbyshire, both of Radiophonic Workshop fame.
I love Wendy Carlos. She’s a true pioneer. ”Switched-On Bach” is great, of course — there’s an interview with Brian where they mention that album, but can’t remember which one right now — but my favourite is the proto-ambient ”Sonic Seasonings” from 1972. Way ahead of its time!
Another great one is ”Beauty in the Beast”, a 1986 album full of microtonal experiments. Fantastic stuff!
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Post by jk on Aug 3, 2022 16:12:54 GMT -5
Great thread, jk! Funnily enough I rewatched this fascinating video just the other day, along with other gems from the BBC archive featuring Peter Howell and Delia Derbyshire, both of Radiophonic Workshop fame. I love Wendy Carlos. She’s a true pioneer. ”Switched-On Bach” is great, of course — there’s an interview with Brian where they mention that album, but can’t remember which one right now — but my favourite is the proto-ambient ”Sonic Seasonings” from 1972. Way ahead of its time! Another great one is ”Beauty in the Beast”, a 1986 album full of microtonal experiments. Fantastic stuff! I heard a lot of Switched-On Bach at the time but it didn't really register — perhaps I should revisit it on Spotify, along with the two pieces you recommend (thanks for those)... It took the opening theme from A Clockwork Orange to really make me sit up and take notice. This piece is all over YouTube in strange guises -- very occasionally, the stunning, chilling original makes an often short-lived appearance... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Clockwork_Orange_(soundtrack) |
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Post by jk on Aug 5, 2022 3:18:23 GMT -5
Those who heard "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" on the radio at the time must have wondered what on earth that sound was in the instrumental break. I initially thought it was horns with the tape reversed (thinking of "Rain" and "I'm Only Sleeping"). Well, this was 1969 and synths were still a relatively unknown quantity in pop: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell%27s_Silver_Hammer |
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Post by jk on Aug 5, 2022 6:11:48 GMT -5
I fear this thread is going to digress in all directions! And here we go… This fascinating Concertino for Trautonium and Strings (1931) by Paul Hindemith has been described by commenter Alcaeus89 as "such a wonderfully weird piece. Like being serenaded by a banana." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trautonium |
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Post by jk on Aug 18, 2022 3:51:11 GMT -5
I recall seeing Forbidden Planet as a kid in the very early 1960s on TV (i.e. in black and white). All I remember about it was the bit towards the end (here at 4:54) where the "monster of the Id" looms into view. I think it was even more terrifying in black and white! The soundtrack is the work of electronic music pioneers Bebe and Louis Barron. Indeed, Forbidden Planet (1956) was the first film to have an all-electronic score. But let the music speak for itself: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbidden_Planet |
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Post by jk on Aug 25, 2022 6:12:07 GMT -5
Time now for the Ondes Martenot, admittedly in the company of a massive orchestra. I've chosen this live version of Messiaen's epic Turangalîla-Symphonie because its conductor was one of the interviewees in Long Promised Road (if there's a BW connection, go for it): "For classical music cred, the Los Angeles Philharmonic music director, Gustavo Dudamel compares Wilson's melodies with those of Mahler and Schubert." [ Source] The Ondes is heard more than seen in this powerful rendition by Gustavo D conducting the Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela with Yuja Wang (piano solo) and Cynthia Millar (Ondes Martenot). I. Introduction. Modéré, un peu vif II. Chant d’amour 1, Modéré, lourd III. Turangalîla 1, Presque lent, rêveu IV. Chant d’amour 2, Bien modéré V. Joie du Sang des Étoiles, Vif, passionné avec joie VI. Jardin du Sommeil d’amour, Très modéré, très tendre VII. Turangalîla 2, Un peu vif, bien modéré VIII. Développement d’amour, Bien modéré IX. Turangalîla 3, Bien modéré X. Final, Modéré, presque vif, avec une grande joie Its voice can perhaps be heard (and seen) to best advantage in the languid sixth movement (at 38:28), but its otherworldly wail is everywhere: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turangalîla-Symphonie |
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Post by jk on Aug 30, 2022 7:26:06 GMT -5
Here's an old friend. Tubeway Army's "Are 'Friends' Electric", an unlikely chart-topping single if ever there was one, thrust the Minimoog and Polymoog firmly into the British public eye. I saw a TOTP performance while holidaying in the UK in '79, the year of its release, and was sold. This live version comes from The Old Grey Whistle Test: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Are_%22Friends%22_Electric%3F |
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Post by jk on Sept 22, 2022 15:58:55 GMT -5
It was the mention of Kraftwerk that initiated this topic, so it's only right that they get a look-in! This is "Autobahn", an evocative sound painting (their description) of life on the road. There's a curious BB connection (see the link), which in effect brings us full circle: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autobahn_(song) |
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