Film, A Sound Art & The Sound of Tomorrow

Film, A Sound Art

This weeks chapters discuss the idea of transitional French and Italian film and scores/soundtracks.

Some of the most interesting points discussed, address the absence of sound as part of the message of the film work, the inclusion of jazz and instrumental accompaniments, and the idea that soundtrack helps "define the auditory dimension of film as a special territory."

The Sound of Tomorrow

Offering a historical overview of early electronic sound technologies:

Telharmonium – developed by Thaddeus Cahill in 1897, its sound output arrived in a form of connecting telephone receivers to paper cones, similar to loudspeakers.

Theremin (1919) – was developed, as an early electronic sound instrument, with the intent of the sound performer not needing to touch the instrument.

RCA Theremin – first consumer based electronic musical instrument on the market.

Ondes Martenot – has a host of expression controls and up to four different speakers, which combine to give a much broader sonic sound.

Martenot – monophonic instrument the performer uses his or her right hand only to select notes.

Initially, in early films like The Day the Earth Stood Still, the Theremin served as a tool to express concern or scary moments, but as it was criticized for its use, it was later repurposed as a tool for more beautiful symphonic soundscapes.