electronic instrument

2005 NAMM Expo Update: Native Instruments has introduced Electronic Instruments 2 XT, the extended version of their Reaktor instrument collection.

The new version contains all the unique synthesizers, drum machines and effects from the collection as individual self-contained software instruments. Each of the eight instruments in Electronic Instruments 2 XT can be run both standalone as well as in all major plugin formats, without relying on a Reaktor or Reaktor Session installation.

The eight instruments included in Electronic Instruments 2 XT are:

• PHOTONE — hybrid master synthesizer
• LIMELITE — advanced beat composer
• METAPHYSICAL FUNCTION — soundscape synthesizer
• KRYPT — granular drum machine
• AKKORD — sequenced chord generator
• FAST FX — advanced performance effects
• RESOCHORD — programmable polyphonic resonator
• CYAN — extended vintage chorus

The original ensemble versions are also included on the disc for optional editing in Reaktor. Electronic Instruments 2 XT also ships with a printed manual covering all included instruments.

Electronic Instruments 2 XT will be available in February 2005 for a suggested retail price of $169 / 149 Euro.

More information is available at the Native Instruments site.

This site charts the history of electronic music instruments from 1870 to 1990. It’s a fascinating site that covers the most important early instruments, including the Telharmonium, Electronic Telegraph, Theremin, Ondes Martenot, Moog and even the electronic sackbut.

The main focus is on instruments developed between 1900 and the 1960’s. This is one of the most creative times in electronic music design, and a period in which experimental electronic music was born. By the early 1960’s, the Moog synthesizer defined the modern modular synthesizer, and most later synthesizers were derived from the ideas contained in early Moog’s.

Virtuoso Thereminist

Many people think of the theremin as cliched electronic effect used in film scores of the 50’s and 60’s. That is, until they hear the playing of Clara Rockmore.

Rockmore was born in Russia, and showed great musical talent as a child. She played the violin, and by the age of nine, was playing concerts with her concert pianist sister, Nadia. She traveled to New York for a tour, and at this time, she met Leon Theremin, the inventor of the theremin. The theremin is an electronic instrument that can be played without touching it, just by using gestures.

When Leon Theremin met Rockmore, he realized that she could make people realize that his design could be used as a real musical instrument. Theremin worked with Rockmore to refine his instrument designs. Rockmore went on to show audiences that the theremin was capable of being used to play the classics. This inspired new compositions specifically for the Theremin. She became a well-known performer, and is considered the greatest theremin player of all time.

She died in 1998, but she left behind a series of recordings that document the sound of the theremin, and her great skill as an electronic music performer.