Electronic music

Definition

Electronic music refers to music that primarily involves the use of electronic devices and technology to produce sound, often characterized by synthesized sounds, digital manipulation, and computer-based production. This genre has revolutionized how music is created, performed, and experienced, influencing various styles and techniques in modern music production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The advent of electronic music dates back to the early 20th century, with pioneers like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Pierre Schaeffer laying the groundwork for what would become modern electronic music.
2. The genre has a wide range of styles, including techno, house, ambient, and drum and bass, each utilizing electronic sound production in unique ways.
3. Virtual instruments have become increasingly popular in electronic music production, allowing musicians to simulate traditional instruments or create entirely new sounds without physical hardware.
4. Influential producers and sound engineers have played a crucial role in shaping the sound of electronic music, using their expertise to push the boundaries of what is sonically possible.
5. Musique concrète emerged in the mid-20th century as one of the earliest forms of electronic music, focusing on manipulating recorded natural sounds to create new compositions.

Review Questions

• How has the introduction of virtual instruments changed the landscape of electronic music production?
  • Virtual instruments have transformed electronic music production by providing musicians with access to a vast array of sounds and effects that can be easily manipulated without the need for physical equipment. This accessibility allows for greater experimentation and creativity in sound design, enabling artists to explore new sonic territories. The ability to integrate these virtual tools into digital audio workstations has streamlined the production process and opened up opportunities for collaboration across different genres.
• Discuss the impact influential producers and sound engineers have had on the development of electronic music as a genre.
  • Influential producers and sound engineers have significantly shaped the evolution of electronic music by introducing innovative techniques in sound manipulation and production. They have pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with technology, creating iconic sounds that define sub-genres within electronic music. By experimenting with new equipment and software, these figures have also influenced mainstream trends, leading to a wider acceptance and incorporation of electronic elements into various styles of popular music.
• Evaluate how musique concrète laid the groundwork for contemporary electronic music practices and aesthetics.
  • Musique concrète established fundamental concepts in sound manipulation that are essential to contemporary electronic music practices. By using recorded sounds from everyday life and manipulating them through cutting, looping, and layering techniques, it shifted focus from traditional musical notation to the exploration of sound as an artistic medium. This approach not only opened up new creative avenues but also inspired future generations of electronic musicians to experiment with field recordings, sampling, and digital processing, creating a legacy that continues to influence modern music production.

Related terms

Synthesizer: An electronic instrument that generates audio signals through various methods, allowing musicians to create and manipulate sounds in innovative ways.

Sampling: The technique of taking a portion of a sound recording and reusing it in a different song or piece of music, often used in electronic music for creating unique textures and rhythms.

MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a technical standard that allows electronic musical instruments and computers to communicate and synchronize with each other.