The Holmes Archive of Electronic Music

By: Thom Holmes
  • Summary

  • Thom Holmes is your curator and guide to vintage electronic music recordings and audio experimentation. Drawing from his collection of vintage electronic music recordings spanning the years 1930-1985, each episode explores a topic or theme of historical interest. Holmes is the author of the book, Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, 2020.
    Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • Chapter 01, Electronic and Experimental Music, Recommended Works
    Jan 25 2025

    Episode 139

    Chapter 01, What is Electronic Music? Recommended Works from Electronic and Experimental Music

    This podcast is produced as a companion to my book, Electronic and Experimental Music, published by Routledge. Each of these episodes corresponds to a chapter in the text and an associated list of recommended works, also called Listen in the text. They provide listening examples of vintage electronic works featured in the text.

    The works themselves can be enjoyed without the book and I hope that they stand as a chronological survey of important works in the history of electronic music. Be sure to tune-in to other episodes of the podcast where we explore a wide range of electronic music in many styles and genres, all drawn from my archive of vintage recordings.

    Playlist

    Time

    Track Time*

    Start

    Introduction –Thom Holmes

    01:16

    00:00

    Pierre Schaeffer, Cinq Études De Bruits Étude Violette (1948). Example of musique concrète.

    03:25

    01:16

    Pierre Schaeffer and Pierre Henry, Bidule en Ut (1950). Example of musique concrète.

    02:11

    04:36

    Herbert Eimert, Klangstudie I (1952). Example of elektronische music.

    03:57

    06:46

    Herbert Eimert and Robert Beyer, Klang Im Unbegrenzten Raum (1952). Example of elektronische music.

    10:33

    10:40

    Karlheinz Stockhausen, Studie I (1953-54). Example of elektronische music.

    10:00

    20:59

    Karlheinz Stockhausen, Gesang Der Jünglinge (1955-56). Example of electroacoustic music.

    13:40

    30:28

    Else Marie Pade, Symphonic Magnetophonique (1958). Example of electroacoustic music.

    19:28

    43:38

    Edgard Varèse, Poème Électronique (1958). Example of organized sound.

    08:08

    01:02:54

    Max Mathews, Numerology (1960)

    02:45

    01:11:05

    Daphne Oram, Four Aspects (1960). Example of Oramics or electroacoustic music.

    08:15

    01:13:36

    Henri Pousseur, Trois Visage de Liège (1961). Example of electroacoustic music.

    17:54

    01:21:44

    James Tenney, Collage No.1 (Blue Suede) (1961). Example of electroacoustic music.

    03:27

    01:39:32

    Delia Derbyshire, Falling (1964). Example of radiophonic music.

    08:45

    01:42:58

    Ann Hamilton, Mantle (1998). Example of sound art.

    32:09

    01:51:39

    Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.

    My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.

    See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.

    For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.

    Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.

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    2 hrs and 25 mins
  • Electronic Music of Conrad Schnitzler—A Retrospective, Part 1
    Jan 13 2025

    Episode 138

    Electronic Music of Conrad Schnitzler—A Retrospective, Part 1.

    Playlist

    Time

    Track Time*

    Start

    Introduction –Thom Holmes

    06:06

    00:00

    Conrad Schnitzler, “Meditation” from Rot (Red) (1973 Conrad Schnitzler Self-released. Composed, performed, recorded, and produced by Conrad Schnitzler.

    19:44

    08:28

    Conrad Schnitzler, “Die Rebellen Haben Sich In Den Bergen Versteckt” from Blau (Blue) (1974 Conrad Schnitzler Self-released. Composed, performed, recorded, and produced by Conrad Schnitzler.

    18:44

    28:06

    Conrad Schnitzler, “05/1975 B (6:11),” “05/1975 A (4:29),” “12/1975 A (1:53),” “14/1975 A (2:21),” “03/1975 A” from Filmmusik 2 (2017 Bureau B). Composed, performed, recorded, and produced by Conrad Schnitzler.These works were for composed for films that did not yet (most never) existed. They date from 1975 and fill an interesting niche in his work from the time. These shorter works contrast nicely to the extended works that he was producing up until this time.

    18:47

    45:40

    Conrad Schnitzler + Wolf Sequenza, “Nächte In Kreuzberg” (3:48), “Humpf” (2:51), “M5-477” (4:39), “Pendel” (4:16), “Wer Geht Da?” (3:46), and “Copacabana” (5:17) from Consequenz (1980 Conrad Schnitzler Self-released). Composed, performed, recorded, and produced by Conrad Schnitzler and Wolf Sequenza (Wolfgang Seidel).

    24:36

    01:05:22

    Note: These are all complete album sides. For Filmmusic 2 and Consequenz, the album sides include several individual tracks and the timings for each are shown in parentheses in the descriptions above.

    Opening background music: Conrad Schnitzler, “Untitled” (excerpt, side A) of the Red Cassette (1974 Conrad Schnitzler Self-released) (09:08).

    Introduction to the podcast voiced by Anne Benkovitz.

    Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.

    My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.

    See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.

    For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.

    Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.

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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Merry Moog 2024
    Nov 17 2024
    Episode 137 Merry Moog 2024 Electronic Music for the Holidays Performed on the Moog and other Synthesizers Playlist Time Track Time Start Introduction –Thom Holmes 04:34 00:00 1. Hans Wurman, “Overture Miniature” from Electric Nutcracker (1976 Ovation). This Austrian composer made several remarkable, classically influenced Moog Modular albums from 1969 to 1976. This was one of his last big Moog projects and is difficult to find. 2:54 02:54 04:32 2. Hans Wurman, “Danse De La Fee-Dragee ( Sugar Plum Fairy)” from Electric Nutcracker (1976 Ovation). Moog Modular synthesizer, Hans Wurman. 1:33 01:33 07:24 3. Hans Wurman, “Danse Des Mirlitons (Flutes)” from Electric Nutcracker (1976 Ovation). Moog Modular synthesizer, Hans Wurman. 2:14 02:14 08:56 4. Emerson, Lake & Palmer, “Nutrocker” from Nutrocker / The Great Gates Of Kiev (1972 Cotillion). Arranged by, Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Written by Kim Fowley. 03:48 11:08 5. Sounds Of Broadcasting 2, “Night Of The Kings” from Sounds Of Broadcasting #6088 (1975? William B. Tanner Company, Inc.). Broadcast library track produced for the holidays. Produced using a Moog Modular Synthesizer. 01:01 14:56 6. Jean Jacques Perrey and Sy Mann, “Jingle Bells” from Switched on Santa (1970 Pickwick). USA. Moog Modular Synthesizer. 01:44 15:56 7. Jean Jacques Perrey and Sy Mann, “Christmas Bells” from Switched on Santa (1970 Pickwick). USA. Moog Modular Synthesizer. 01:52 17:40 8. Douglas Leedy, “The Coventry Carol” from A Very Merry Electric Christmas to You (1970 Capitol). USA. Moog Modular Synthesizer and Buchla Synthesizer. 04:46 19:30 9. Joseph Byrd, “Christmas in the Morning” from A Christmas Yet to Come (1975 Takoma). USA. ARP 2600 Synthesizer with an Oberheim Expander Module. 01:34 24:16 10. Armen Ra, “O Come All Ye Faithful” from Theremin Christmas (2018 Sungod). USA. Moog Etherwave Pro Theremin. 04:43 25:50 11. Beck, “The Little Drum Machine Boy” from Just Say Noël (1996 Geffen). USA. Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer. 07:02 30:32 12. Alan Horsey, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” from Switched-On Christmas (1985 Snowflake Records). Italian album with electric organ by Alan Horsey. This is reminiscent of Hooked on Classics as the entire album seems to be woven together by a drum machine beat. This is played on organ. Seems a little late for disco. 03:10 37:30 13. Denny Hinman, “Christmas in July” from Plays The Yamaha Electone E-70 (1980 Yamaha). Denny Hinman plays the Yamaha Electone E-70. A release by Yamaha. 01:45 40:36 14. Miharu Koshi, “Belle Tristesse” (妙なる悲しみ)from We Wish You A Merry Christmas (1984 Yen). Japan. A compilation of specially recorded Christmas-themed songs from various artists on the Yen Records label. Written by, synth-pop with vocals by Miharu Koshi. Miharu Koshi is a keyboardist and singer with a long-standing collaborative association with YMO-founder Haruomi Hosono. 03:43 42:20 15. Taeko Onuki, Inori (Prayer) from We Wish You A Merry Christmas (1984 Yen). Japan. A compilation of specially recorded Christmas-themed songs from various artists on the Yen Records label. Japanese synth-pop with vocals by Onuki. Maybe Ryuichi Sakamoto on keyboards. 03:44 46:02 16. Frank Collett, “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring (1970 Privately Made Release). USA. This is a special addition to the Merry Moog podcast. I found what is likely a one-of-a-disc private pressing by Frank Collett using the Moog Modular Synthesizer. This 45 RPM disc was recorded at Finetone Recording Studio in New York City and is inscribed with the hand-written message, “To John & Loretta: Merry XMAS. Composed and arranged by Frank Collett” This appears to be disc made of metal with a vinyl coating. One side includes his rendition of Bach’s “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” plus a short tune called “Little Joey” (see below). The flip side contains the same recording of “Little Joey.” Dated December 22, 1970. Clearly made using a Moog Modular Synthesizer. Collett (1941-2016) was a noted session pianist and sometimes led and recorded with his own trio. He was raised in New York. In 1968 he was accompanist to Sarah Vaughan. The following year he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. He became the house pianist, with the orchestra in the main showroom of the International Hotel (which became the Las Vegas Hilton). It was during this period that he made this recording in NY. 01:57 49:44 17. Frank Collett, “Little Joey” (1970 Privately Made Release). Frank Collett using the Moog Modular Synthesizer. From a 45 RPM disc recorded at Finetone Recording Studio in New York City (see above). Dated December 22, 1970. Clearly made using a Moog Modular Synthesizer. Collett (1941-2016) was a noted session pianist and sometimes led and recorded with his own trio. Moog Modular Synthesiser, Frank Collett. Whose Moog Synthesizer ...
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    1 hr and 41 mins

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