Electronic music is a term for music created using electronic devices. As defined by the IEEE standards body, electronic devices are low-power systems and use components such as transistors and integrated circuits. Working from this definition, distinction can be made between instruments that produce sound through electromechanical means as opposed to instruments that produce sound using electronic components. Examples of an electromechanical instrument are the teleharmonium, Hammond B3, and the electric guitar, whereas examples of an electronic instrument are a Theremin, synthesizer, and a computer.
History
Late 19th century early 20th century
Before electronic music, there was a growing desire for composers to use emerging technologies for musical purposes. Several instruments were created that employed electromechanical designs and they paved the way for the later emergence of electronic instruments. An electromechanical instrument called the Teleharmonium (or Telharmonium) was developed by Thaddeus Cahill in 1897. Simple inconvenience hindered the adoption of the Teleharmonium: the instrument weighed seven tons and was the size of a boxcar. Several more refined versions were also constructed a few years later (the final and most refined model arriving in 1907, weighing in at 200 tons). The first electronic instrument is often viewed to be the Theremin, invented by Professor Leon Theremin circa 1919 - 1920. Another early electronic instrument was the Ondes Martenot, which was used in the Turangalîla-Symphonie by Olivier Messiaen and also by other, primarily French, composers such as Andre Jolivet.
New Intefaces for Musical Expression - Home page of the international conference on computer interfaces for musical expression. Information on NIME 2004 and earlier meetings.
NIME 02 - Pictures and video clips from the 2002 International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression
Teomi, Eitan - Composer of electro-acoustic music, born in Israel and trained at California Institute of the Arts, working with Brazilian vocalist Monica. Offers sound samples from film scores and games, with testimonials.
Meta Description: [ Audio Production, sample libraries, and Sound design for games, Film, animation, and multimedia. Buy samples online. Listen to music demos by Eitan Teomi. ]
The LAB - Experimental electronic music center.
Meta Description: [ The alternative multidisciplinary art space in San Francisco showcasing local and international artists ]