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Thomas Edison invents the phonograph
A device used for the recording and reproduction of sound. -
Period: to
Time frame of Electronic Music
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Thadeus Cahill develops the Telharmonium
An early electronic instrument. Used tonewheels to create sounds as electrical signals by means of additive synthesis -
Luigi Russolo writes The Art of Noises
A futurist manifesto that detailed how electronics and technology will benefit composers. -
Leon Theremin invents the Theremin
Electronic instrument with oscillators for frequency and amplitude controlled by the movement of the hands. -
Maurice Martenot invents the Ondes Martenot
Electronic instrument with wavering notes produced in vacuum tubes. -
Hammond organ created by Laurens Hammond
An instrument that emulates a pipe organ by its use of additive synthesis in generating sounds. -
Pierre Schaeffer pioneers the genre of Musique Concrete
Genre of electroacoustic music that utilized acousmatics, traditional instruments, vocals, and electronic instruments. -
Graphic Notation introduced
Representation of music using symbols that wasn't possible with Western Notation. -
Computer Music Center founded at Columbia University
The oldest center for electronic and computer music research in the United States. -
Composer John Cage writes music featuring the first use of Chance Music
Genre in which some if not all of the realization of the composition is left up to the performer. -
Gibson Les Paul electric guitar made available for sale
One of the most well-known electric instruments in the world. -
Minimoog released for sale
It was among the first widely available, portable, and affordable synthesizers. -
Standard of MIDI agreed upon
Specification that allows a vast array of electronic instruments to communicate with each other. -
The term "Turntablist" is coined by DJ Babu
A genre of music that focuses on the use of the turntable as a priamry instrument. -
First Laptop Orchestra founded
Orchestra that uses sounds produced by laptops instead of traditional musical instruments.
