Synthesizer Demonstration Records, Part 1

Episode 58

 

Synth Demonstration Records, Part 1

Playlist

1. Ondioline demonstration disc. Side 1 (circa 1955 Gaveau). With French narration, demonstrates how the Ondioline can imitate other instruments. This was a monophonic, electronic organ made famous by Jean Jacques Perrey. 7:07
2. RCA music synthesizer demonstration. Programmed by Dr. Harry F. Olsen, narrated by john Preston. Excerpts from side 1, “The Physical Characteristics Of Musical Sounds - Synthesis By Parts - Excerpts From Musical Selections” from The Sounds And Music Of The RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer (1955 RCA Victor Red Seal). Vinyl LP, Mono. This recording was widely distributed in the US, Canada, and Australia. My copy is an Australian copy. "On side 1 you will hear demonstrations of frequency, waveform, envelope, intensity, portamento and vibrato, synthesis by parts and excerpts from musical selections, all produced on the RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer. On side 2 you will hear complete selections produced on the RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer." 22:01
3. Moog 900 Series demonstration, side 1 Music by Wendy Carlos using the Moog Modular Synthesizer circa 1967, narrated by Ed Stokes - Electronic Music Systems (1969 A. Moog Company, Inc.). Vinyl, 10", Promo, Mono. This is from the second version of the release, after Wendy Carlos had released Switched-on Bach for which there are excerpts on the second side. The first edition was released in 1967 with the help of Carlos and this side remained as side 1 of this second release. This was a promotional disc for the Moog Modular Synthesizer. 8:59
4. Moog synthesizers, Chris Swansen and Jim Johnston, side 1 from “The Sound Of Moog (1971 Moog Music Inc.). Flexi-disc, 7", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM. Moog played by Swansen, narrated by Johnston. This flexi-disc provided examples of the Minimoog, Moog Modular and ensemble work by Swansen. 6:37
5. ElectroComp synthesizer demonstration. “Fugue in G Minor” (Bach) and “Puerto Vallarta”from The Sound of E.M.L. Synthesizers (circa 1972 Electronic Music Laboratories Inc.). Flexi-disc, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Two Sided. Programmed and performed by W.M. Hartamon and P.J. Hartamon. Modular synthesizer circa 1972, probably including models 101 and 200. 9:47
6. Yamaha demonstration. Masa Matsuda, “In the World of Solitude” from International Electone Grand Prix Concours 1972 (1972 Yamaha). This is a rare album from 1972 featuring participants in the annual Electone performance competition sponsored, produced, and release on a double LP by Yamaha. This event took place at the Yamaha Music Camp in Nemu-no-Sato, Japan. Yamaha sponsored this camp around building enthusiasm and a repertory of artists who could play the Electone electronic synthesizer design for virtuosic keyboard performance. 7:25

Background Music

• Excerpts from the Moog 900, RCA Music Synthesizer, Sound of Moog, ARP family of instruments, E-mu Emulator, demonstration recordings.
• Blue Marvin, “Release Time” from the album With Arp Sinthesyzer 2600 (1973 Joker). Blue Marvin is Alberto Baldan Bembo in this Italian release of ARP Odyssey tracks.

Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.

Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.

For additional notes, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.