Book Description

"This is the first comprehensive historical study of electronic music from World War II to the present. Giving an overall perspective of the electronic medium, David Ernst correlates historical developments with structural procedures. To aid the reader in understanding the evolution and compositional aesthetics of electronic music the author divides it into three categories: solo tape, performer with tape, and live electronics. In discussing each category Ernst concentrates upon small groups of pieces so that the structural relations between them become apparent. The Evolution of Electronic Music has a number of important features: A chronological list of pre-1948 events related to electronic music provides an historical background; It is the first non-technical examination of specific categories of electronic music based on sound sources and compositional techniques; Ernst analyzes major compositions of Stockhausen, Berio, Ligeti, Reich, and the Paris school of musique concrète composers; Graphic illustrations of selected works aid the reader in listening to those compositions; The appearance of voice in electronic works is documented; The use of electronics in jazz and rock is fully explored; Over ninety percent of all electronic compositions that are available as recordings are discussed; The detailed coverage of compositional techniques includes suggestions for original compositions; Each chapter has a discography; The bibliography includes general readings, works on computers and acoustics, and musical scores. The Evolution of Electronic Music covers both 'serious' and popular music, both notated and improvised uses of electronic sounds. It is the most complete and up-to-date book on the subject." --Back cover.