Product Description

Electronic and Experimental Music is a second edition of a well-known text on the history of electronic music. Holmes' original book, first published in 1985, was a beginner's introduction both to the theories of sound and sound production and to the history of some of the earliest experiments in instrument building and composition. Long out-of-print, this book is considered a classic in the field. In this new edition, the author thoroughly updates and enlarges the theoretical and historical sections. He also presents new material on using home computers and the many software and Internet resources available. This book will appeal strongly to both students of electronic music and amateur music makers / listeners.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #169951 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Synopsis
Electronic and Experimental Music is a second edition of a well-known text on the history of electronic music. Holmes' original book, first published in 1985, was a beginner's introduction both to the theories of sound and sound production and to the history of some of the earliest experiments in instrument building and composition. Long out-of-print, this book is considered a classic in the field. In this new edition, the author thoroughly updates and enlarges the theoretical and historical sections. He also presents new material on using home computers and the many software and Internet resources available. This book will appeal strongly to both students of electronic music and amateur music makers / listeners.

From the Back Cover
Electronic and Experimental Music details the history of electronic music throughout the world, and the people who created it. From the theory of sound production to key composers and instrument designers, this is a complete introduction to the genre from its early roots to the present technological explosion. Every major figure is covered including: Thaddeus Cahill, Peire Henry, Gorden Mumma, Pauline Oliveros, Brian Eno, and D.J. Spooky. The vast array of forms and instruments that these innovators introduced and expanded are also included--tape composition, the synthesizer, "live" electronic performance, the ONCE festivals, ambient music, and turntablism.
This new edition, includes a thoroughly updated and enlarged theoretical and historical sections and includes new material on using home computers (PCs) and the many resources now available in software and the Internet.

About the Author
Thom Holmes is a composer and performer of electronic music, as well as a software designer and consultant. He was the long-time publisher of the magazine Recordings of Electronic Music .

Customer Reviews

Solid
A solid history, and a few nuggets tucked away that surprised me.

A must have for any DJ/synth user/EBM fan.

A Very Good Guide to the Genre
Recently updated, this book offers a detailed guide to the history of electronic and experimental music, looking at both the music and the technology used to create it. Of particular note are the Lexicon of Materials and Techniques, and the large number of photos (b&w), which are invaluable for modern day electronic musicians seeking to build their own instruments. During the book the author explains the basic principles behind each of the major inventions, but doesn't go into too much technical detail, making it easy to read. Although a very well written book, it is on occasion let down by poor publishing errors, which can make sentences hard to understand.