The topic of this essay should relate to the role of technology in art music of the early- to mid-twentieth century (c. 1915-1965), including radio, recording, and new mechanical and electronic instruments. Use the list of composers, pieces, and instruments below and choose a topic for your essay. Your essay should present an argument related to that topic that you develop through listening, reading, and writing. For example:

you may focus on a particular piece of early music technology and various pieces composed for that medium
you may focus on a particular piece and explore its sound and technological aesthetics in-depth
you may focus on a particular composer and explore how they use technology as a subject matter and/or musical aesthetic
you may focus on a combination of these elements to suit your topic and interests.
Some part of your essay should include close listening of musical examples; describe their sound using technical and descriptive musical terminology.  Rely on your own ears to describe the sound of the music.

Use Oxford Music Online to do some preliminary research on your topic. You may use other course materials and reliable sources as textual sources. All ideas and words that are not your own must be cited. Use any citation system you like, as long as you’re consistent.

Use Spotify, YouTube, or other sources to get access to the music. Finding the music and expanding your resources and music literacy is part of the assignment.

Suggested composers/works:

George Antheil: Airplane Sonata, Mechanisms, Death of Machines

The Theremin: various works performed by Lydia Kavina

Pauline Oliveros: Seven Sets of Mnemonics, Seven Passages for Elizabeth Harris, Pieces of Eight, Before the Music Ends

Milton Babbitt: Philomel, Composition for Synthesizer, Ensembles for Synthesizer

Pierre Schaeffer and Pierre Henry, Symphonie Pour Un Homme Seul

Edgard Varse, Pome lectronique, Dserts

John Cage: Radio Music, Imaginary Landscape no. 1, Fontana Mix

Wendy Carlos: Dialogues for Piano and Two Loudspeakers, Episodes for Piano and Electronic Sound, Variations for Flute and Electronic Sounds