Electronic Music Maker
Earl L. Kent · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 1957
Great latitude is possible in several aspects of music production through the use of an electromechanical control of electronic tone generators. Exact control of tone production yields precision, greatly exceeding that possible through manual control. In addition, the scope of musical effects is extended beyond the physical limitations of the player. Additional smoothness in glissandos, and greater complexity of melodic lines, harmonies, and rhythms become feasible. Also, the limitations of the even tempered scale need no longer exist. The quarter-tone scales desired by some modern composers, as well as other scales, become quite feasible. The total effect is limited only by the imagination of the composer and the tonal resources of the music reproducing medium which is being controlled. This technique could be adapted for converting the output of a composing computer directly into music. A short tape recording will be used to demonstrate the potential of this device for expanding musical horizons.