Introduction
Welcome to our blog! In this post, we’ll take a journey through the fascinating history of synthesizers. Synthesizers have played a key role in shaping music since the 1960s, and their versatility and unique sound have made them a staple in genres ranging from electronic to pop to rock.
As we take a deeper look at the evolution of synthesizers, we’ll explore how they have been used in different genres and the impact they have had on shaping the sound of popular music. We’ll also hear from music enthusiasts who developed an early passion for synthesizers, and how their love for this fascinating musical instrument led them to develop their own unique musical styles.
So, whether you’re a seasoned musician or a curious music lover, join us on this exploration of synthesizers and their role in shaping the sound of music over the decades. From the early days of Bob Moog’s modular synthesizer to the rise of Italodisco and beyond, the synthesizer has played an essential role in modern music, and we can’t wait to dive in and learn more!
The Origin – XIX Century
The origins of the synthesizer can be traced back to the late 19th century, with the invention of the theremin, one of the earliest electronic musical instruments. However, the true birth of the synthesizer as we know it today began in the 1960s with the advent of the modular synthesizer.
The grandfathers from the 60s
The modular synthesizer was the brainchild of Bob Moog and Don Buchla, who developed the instrument independently of each other. The modular synthesizer consisted of a series of separate modules that could be connected together to create customized sound-creating devices.
These modules included oscillators, filters, amplifiers, and envelope generators – all of which could be configured in different ways to produce a vast array of sounds.
The Moog modular synthesizer was quickly adopted by pioneering musicians such as Wendy Carlos, who used it to create the iconic soundtrack for Stanley Kubrick’s film “A Clockwork Orange.” By the late 1960s, the synthesizer was beginning to be recognized as a viable musical instrument outside of experimental or avant-garde music, and it began to appear in popular music.
The Boom – 70s and 80s
As synthesizers began to evolve in the 70s and 80s, they became a staple in popular music- particularly electronic, rock, and pop genres. Many artists, such as Kraftwerk and Gary Numan, embraced synthesizers – incorporating the technology into their musical style and revolutionizing the sound of popular music.
The beginning of maturity of the 90s
New technologies such as digital signal processing and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) revolutionized the synthesizer even further, leading to the creation of new synthesizer models and the eventual development of synthesizers that could be played by anyone without the need for specialized training.
Catch the 80s wave – Roland D50, Yahama DX7, Korg M1, Juno 60
For me, personally, the 80s and 90s were a truly magical time in the world of synthesizers. As a high school student, I developed a passion for electronic music.
It’s worth noting that during the 80s and 90s, Italodisco was a popular genre that heavily utilized synthesizers. It was a genre characterized by its upbeat, synthesized melodies and catchy hooks, which often incorporated Roland D50 sounds.
During my high school years, I was particularly drawn to the sounds of the Roland D50, which became a ubiquitous synth in many types of music. However, due to financial constraints, I only managed to purchase my entry-level Yamaha PSR-100 keyboard when I was 16.
It was a modest synth, but it allowed me to begin exploring the sounds and possibilities of electronic music production. The major handicap was it’s small keys.
Two years later, in 1993, I finally managed to upgrade to a Roland JV30. It was a big step up – the JV30 featured a 61-note keyboard and a host of new sounds and presets that expanded the possibilities of my music production.
It was a cherished musical instrument that stayed with me for many years and helped shape my love of synthesizers even further.
As I grew more experienced with my synthesizer, I began to create my own music, incorporating unique sounds and beats that expressed my creativity and emotions. It was a transformative experience that helped shape my love and passion for music production.
The synthesizer continues to evolve and grow in popularity today, as new artists continue to push the boundaries of electronic music. However, for me, nothing compares to the excitement and creativity that I experienced when I first fell in love with synthesizers during my high school years.