Post World War II Music

Three Technological Innovations

• Magnetic tape
  • Musique Concrete - natural sounds manipulated on tape
  • Edgard Varese composes Poeme Electronique 1947
• Synthesizer
  • Electronic sound generating device
  • Synthetic (electronic) vs. acoustical (vibrating columns of air)
  • First use was the RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer, 1955
  • Berio
    • Founded the Electronic Studio in Milan
    • Musique concrete of natural and synthetic sounds
    • Visage
• Computer
  • Precise digital control applied to recorded sound that is manipulated
  • Digital Sampling - Bits of recorded sound reproduced on every pitch by the computer
  • Machover - Bug-Mudra
    • Bug - software glitch
    • Mudra - hand positions
    • For two guitars, and "hand master" worn by the conductor

Post Modernism

• The only absolute truth is that there are no absolute truths
• Each individual forms their own understanding through concrete experience rather than abstract principles
• Relative truths over absolute truths
• The Artistic
  • Eclectic
  • A return to "images"
  • A unique arrangement and juxtaposition of icons
• Chen - Competition
• The Musical
  • Composers freely mix musical elements from all stylistic ages
  • A kaleidoscope of elements and styles

Humanities Resource of Mark Hunter