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In Search of a Concrete Music

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( 85 ratings, 9 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Search of a Concrete Music by Pierre Schaeffer is a foundational work in electroacoustic music and sound recording. It combines a journal of Schaeffer's experiments in sound composition with a treatise on the philosophy of "concrete music." His innovative theories explore the definition of instruments and sound classification, influencing not only composers but also DJs, hip-hop producers, and sound-based media artists. This seminal text is essential for anyone interested in contemporary musicology or media history.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$6699
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in contemporary musicology, media history, sound art, and those working with technology in music, including composers, DJs, and producers exploring experimental sound techniques.

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Suitable for those interested in contemporary musicology or media history, this title offers translation of the author's pioneering work - at once a journal of his experiments in sound composition and a treatise on the raison d'etre of concrete music.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Pierre Schaeffer's In Search of a Concrete Music (À la recherche d'une musique concrète) has long been considered a classic text in electroacoustic music and sound recording. Now Schaeffer's pioneering work—at once a journal of his experiments in sound composition and a treatise on the raison d'être of "concrete music"—is available for the first time in English translation.

Schaeffer's theories have had a profound influence on composers working with technology. However, they extend beyond the confines of the studio and are applicable to many areas of contemporary musical thought, such as defining an 'instrument' and classifying sounds.

Schaeffer has also become increasingly relevant to DJs and hip-hop producers as well as sound-based media artists. This unique book is essential for anyone interested in contemporary musicology or media history.

Series: California Studies in 20th-Century Music

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  • In Search of a Concrete Music
    Pierre Schaeffer's In Search of a Concrete Music (À la recherche d'une musique concrète) has long been considered a classic text in electroacoustic music and sound recording. Now Schaeffer's pioneering work—at once a journal of his experiments in sound composition and a treatise on the raison d'être of "concrete music"—is available for the first time in English translation. Schaeffer's theories...
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  • Treatise on Musical Objects
    Treatise on Musical Objects is regarded as Pierre Schaeffer’s most important work on music and its relationship with technology. Schaeffer expands his earlier research in musique concrète to suggest a methodology of working with sounds based on his experiences in radio broadcasting and the recording studio. Drawing on acoustics, physics, and physiology, but also on philosophy and the relationship between...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for collecting Schaeffer's journals and writings on musique concrète, this book is described by Harper's as a significant and readable exploration of new artistic paradigms. Rob Young of Frieze calls it one of the most important postwar works, while The Wire's John Dack praises its enduring impact on listeners. The Times Higher Education highlights its nuanced perspective, and the Los Angeles Review of Books compliments its lively imagination and wit. It is recommended by the Choice journal.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780520265745

Publisher: University of California Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 November 2012

Country: United States

Imprint: University of California Press

Illustration: 36 line illustrations

Contributors:

  • Translated by Christine North
  • Translated by John Dack

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 272g

Pages: 244

About the Author

Composer Pierre Schaeffer (1910-1995) was the inventor of musique concrete music created by combining and manipulating recorded sounds (rather than being played on conventional musical instruments). Translators: John Dack is Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Sonic Arts Department at Middlesex University. Christine North is retired as Lecturer in French at Middlesex University.

Also by Pierre Schaeffer

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  • Treatise on Musical Objects
    Treatise on Musical Objects is regarded as Pierre Schaeffer’s most important work on music and its relationship with technology. Schaeffer expands his earlier research in musique concrète to suggest a methodology of working with sounds based on his experiences in radio broadcasting and the recording studio. Drawing on acoustics, physics, and physiology, but also on philosophy and the relationship between...
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