This BBC documentary narrated and presented by Michael Rodd demonstrates a sample of technology and technique musicians and sound recordists have used to come up with a “new sound in music”. The use of early oscillation and voltage control sound effects, computers, music synthesisers, multi-track-recording techniques, including tape manipulation are shown. Some early-automated musical instruments such as the Pianola and a programmed mechanical robotic violin are also seen. The presenter demonstrates how the electronic music theme to “Dr Who” was created in the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop and other musical themes for television are shown in their creation. Archival footage showing a stage performance of an unattended computer that can make unique musical composition choices is included along with its inventor Peter Zinovieff (the founder of EMS: Electronic Music Studios) at home in his studio. Musician and inventor David Voorhaus demonstrates the “Maniac”, a unique analogue sequencer and an instrument that uses magnetic tape in the place of strings he created.
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How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
506668
Language
English
Subject categories
Advertising, Film, Journalism, Mass Media & TV → Sound - Recording and reproducing
Crafts & Visual Arts → Art and technology
Documentary → Documentary films - Great Britain
Education, Instruction, Teaching & Schools → Music - Instruction and study
Educational & Instructional → Educational films
Mathematics, Science & Technology → Art and technology
Mathematics, Science & Technology → Computer software
Mathematics, Science & Technology → Sound
Mathematics, Science & Technology → Sound - Experiments
Mathematics, Science & Technology → Technological innovations
Music & Performing Arts → Composition (Music)
Music & Performing Arts → Electronic music
Music & Performing Arts → Improvisation (Music)
Music & Performing Arts → Music - Instruction and study
Music & Performing Arts → Music - Interpretation (Phrasing, dynamics, etc.)
Music & Performing Arts → Music appreciation
Music & Performing Arts → Musical instruments
Music & Performing Arts → Sound - Recording and reproducing
Television → Television programs
Television → Television programs → Television programs - Great Britain
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Colour
Holdings
16mm film; Access Print (Section 1)