Peabody Electronic and Computer Music Department

EC 350.840 History of Electroacoustic Music

Midterm Exam Study Guide

1) During the early years of the twentieth century there were a number of events which anticipated the musical and technological developments which led to the development of Electronic Music. Be able to describe some of these events and explain their importance.

2) The years from 1920 to the Second World War saw the first successful introduction of Electronic Musical Instruments to the concert hall. Be able to discuss these instruments, including compositions written for them and/or notable performers or performances.

3) Be able to trace the development of Musique Concréte. Including 1) When; 2) Who; 3) Where; 4) Using What equipment; 5) Musical influences on the main composers and 6) Influence on later developments.

4) Be able to trace the development of Elektronische Musik, including When, Where, Who and with What (as above), plus Musical influences on the main composers and Influence on later developments.

5) What were the perceived aesthetic differences between Musique Concréte and Elektronische Musik.?

6) Be able to trace the development of the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Studio in its first decade. Be sure to include When, Where, Who, and with What.

7) Be able to trace the development of of "Computer Music" (i.e. computer-generated sound) in its first decade. Don't forget the When, Where, Who, etc.

8) Be able to identify the following:

1) Thaddeus Cahill

2) Clara Rockmore

3) Herbert Eimert

4) ORTF

5) ILLIAC

6) GROOVE

7) James Tenney

8) ST/4 - 1,080262

9) 1958 World's Fair - Phillips Pavilion

10) Luigi Russolo

11) Jean-Claude Rissett

12) Pierre Henry

13) Oskar Sala

9) Be prepared to discuss in some detail either one significant composition or the career of one significant composer of electroacoustic music.