Where’s the Guide?

I recommend the following discs in learning about both the history and varied styles of electroacoustics and electronic music.

1. OHM: the early gurus of electronic music (1948-1980) ellipsis arts CD3670

Released in 2002, OHM is probably the most complete guide to electronic and electroacoustic music. In terms of historical detail the liner notes are a bit fuzzy, but the music is superb. It is a phenomenal collection of both breathtaking and often bewildering music from the beginning of the concrete school until the moog days of the 70’s. Beautiful packaging and some interesting articles round out a “must” purchase if you are even remotely interested in EA music.

2. Electroacoustic Music: Anthologie de la musique canadienne radio canada international ACM 37 CD 1 - 4

(I couldn’t even find a picture of the cover, so I guess that’s not a good sign!)

This four disc compilation is unfortunately out of print. CKUT had their copy stolen some years ago and it has never been replaced. Luckily I picked up my own copy from a used place a few years back. Canada has a rich history of EA, both within Montréal and outside. It is both valuable for its music (which is often, but not always fabulous) as well as its historical notes. Even if you aren’t Canadian, if you find a copy of this set, pick it up. Let’s hope they re-release it soon!

3. la musique électroacoustique INA – GRM (editions hyptique.net) ISBN 2-914342-00-4

Not a Compact Disc, but a CD-ROM, it functions as a great introduction to the rich history of French electroacoustics. Along with historical guidelines, it also has musical examples, musicological suggestions for analysis and a simple, but interesting mini-EA studio. Documentation is entirely in French, but it is worth the struggle even if you are not that comfortable. Sadly, not enough of this music crosses the Atlantic and this disc provides tantalising glimpses into the French EA scene. The disc works on both Macintosh and Windows.

4. Electroclips Empreintes Digitales, IMED 9604

This was one of Empreintes Digitales very first releases and remains one of its most popular. Music from all over the continent, it provides short examples of interesting and innovative electroacoustic compositions. In terms of education it is practical for use with beginners, children as well as for University level instruction. At this point, the disc is a little dated, but it still remains the strongest of the Empreintes sample discs in that the works are all entirely original.