The sound reproduction system as a musical instrument. Developmental factors pertaining to the electrification of the entire ensemble

Abstract

The application to music of a contemporary means for producing sound is always compelling, and this is a cardinal force in musical history. For by educing accomodation in every aspect of the musical work, this process is responsible for shifting the character of the art such that it is throughout distinguishable from the prior art and characteristic of its time. But to electrify the ensemble is different than to apply electrical means to the individual instruments: since, therewith, the instruments singly assume an alteration in personality, it is counterproductive to alter the quality of their combined sound. Instead, electrification is admitted for the variability in the harmonic relationships among the voices it affords. This capability yields a music different not only in character but in kind. Photographs show the system exhibited at Pennsylvania State University.