Assessment 1 - Knowledge

How has the synthesizer changed and challenged today’s music? Antonio Ryan - 9.2

Daphne Oram (1925-2003) was the co-founder and first director of the BBC Radio phonic Workshop, a sound effects and music studio established in the 1950s that had a vast influence on electronic music and synthesizer technology.

Not only is this one of the earliest forms of electronic sound synthesis, it is noteworthy for being audiovisual in nature - i.e. the composer draws onto a synchronized set of ten 35mm film strips which overlay a series of photo-electric cells, generating electrical charges to control amplitude, timbre, frequency, and duration. This system was a key part of early BBC Radio phonic Workshop practice. However, after Daphne left the BBC (in 1959), her research, including Oramics, continued in relative secrecy.

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN MUSIC BY Music technology might be defined as any form of technology, which helps a musician to make music. The impact of technology on music is overwhelming. Technological advancements in the last century have revolutionized the way we make, market and listen to music. To be specific, the invention and evolution of samplers, synthesizers and computer technology has changed the way music is now produced. Music Industry is an activity of companies and individuals that share the aim of promoting performers and selling recorded music. They make lots of money and is dominated by a few major record companies, such as Universal (United States), Sony.

In addition, if styles produced by computers (techno) are even more popularized there will no longer be any need for musicians. During the 20Th century, many composers made use of new technology to experiment with musical sounds. Recording on tape allowed composers to record sounds, then change and rearrange them to create a new musical work. The piece was then played back through loudspeakers. This meant that the composer did not need performers to interpret the music. Many composers now use synthesizers and computers to create sounds. Others have composed pieces using a mixture of electronic.

Answer the questions with complete sentences according to the text above “How has the synthesizer changed and challenged today’s music?”

1. Who is Daphne Oram and what did he do/what makes him famous?

2. How were people in the past make electronic music (forms of sound synthesis)?

3. When did Daphne Oram leave BBC and what do you think his reason for leaving was?

4. List some companies that are well known for recording and selling music with synthesizer as one of their instruments. You may list other companies that you know.

5. What is music technology?

6. In your opinion, how has the synthesizer and technology music changed today’s music?

7.  How/in what way do they use/create music technology in the 20th century?

For number 8 and 9, choose the best answer.

8. What do they name for music styles that are created through computers?

a. Funk
b. Techno
c. Synth-tech
d. R&B

9. One of Daphne’s research was..
a. Synthesizer
b. Computer music mixing
c. Oramics
d. Microphone

10. Write in your own opinion about the area in which the synthesizer has had the greatest impact. Is it the music industry, affecting other music or others? Explain..