Musical instruments are essentially pieces of technology. In this talk I revisit the early history of the electronic music synthesizer (1964-1994) from the perspective of science and technology studies and sound studies. I will argue that particular sounds became stabilized along with particular performance practices, sociotechnical assemblages, and ways of listening. These sounds, performance and listening practices, and assemblages took electronic music from the margins of the counter culture to a core part of mainstream culture. The talk will be accompanied by some “classic” pieces of synthesizer music.
About the Author
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Trevor Pinch
Trevor Pinch is Professor of Science and Technology Studies and Professor of Sociology at Cornell University. He holds degrees in physics and sociology. He has authored many books and numerous articles on aspects of the sociology of science, the sociology of technology, the sociology of economics, and sound studies. His books include Analog Days: The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer (with Frank Trocco, Harvard University Press, 2002). He is co editor of the Oxford Handbook of Sound Studies (with Karin Bijsterveld). He is also a performing musician with the Electric Golem.