The Groundbreaking Instrument That Shaped Electronic Music Turns 60 – International Edition
What? The Moog synthesizer was among the earliest modular voltage-controlled oscillators and amplifiers, developed by Robert Moog.
In layman's terms? Robert Moog’s synthesizers were pioneering in enabling individuals to generate and modify electronic music comprehensively. His initial model featured two voltage-controlled oscillators along with a voltage-controlled amplifier. This first oscillator permitted users to adjust the pitch of a generated sound via voltage modulation, which could subsequently be further altered using the second oscillator to achieve effects such as tremolo.
What has made it newsworthy and why does it matter? On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the first Moog synthesizer, it's worth noting that although electronic sound synthesis devices had been around before then, they were typically as large as whole rooms. Inspired by the theremin—a touchless electronic instrument invented in the 1920s—Moog explored incorporating amplifiers into the synth's oscillators to create a smaller, more portable variant of these machines.
Who had the means to purchase the very first Moog synthesizer? In addition to being the pioneering portable modular synthesizer, it was also the more budget-friendly option. To some extent, at least. The initial Moog Synthesizer cost about $10,000 back in 1964. When adjusted for inflation, this amount equates to roughly $100,000 (or €90,000). Thus, although not inexpensive, it represented a substantial saving compared to what competitors would have charged in contemporary dollars, which could easily run into millions.
So who ended up purchasing it? The first customer was British-American composer Eric Siday, who had commissioned Moog to make it for him and asked for a keyboard to be added to the machine. Other composers interested in experimenting with electronic music then continued to commission Moog and asked for added filter features, creating new sounds such as the “wah-wah” effect.
Was the music of high quality? As more classical composers Soon enough, people flocked to Moog’s captivating synthesizers, leading to the creation of one of the earliest remarkable musical pieces. Among the initial trailblazers using the Moog Synthesizer was Paul Beaver, who collaborated with Mort Garson to produce the album 'The Zodiac: Cosmic Sounds.' This work became a source of inspiration for numerous subsequent experimental artists. Later, in 1968, Wendy Carlos released the groundbreaking album 'Switched-On Bach,' earning both commercial success and critical praise by reimagining Bach's works. The album garnered three Grammy Awards and became the first classical record to achieve platinum certification.
Any pop music? Perhaps the earliest notable usage of the Moog Synthesizer was by a rock band. The Doors - Particularly 'Strange Days,' which lends its title to The Doors' sophomore album released in 1967. Beaver utilized his synthesizer skills alongside the modulated vocals of lead singer Jim Morrison to craft an unsettling sonic backdrop for this song. Shortly thereafter, the Moog synthesizer gained widespread popularity among bands such as the Beatles who featured it prominently on their album 'Abbey Road.' Early enthusiasts also included groups like The Monkees, The Grateful Dead, and The Rolling Stones, along with jazz artists including Herbie Hancock and Sun Ra.
Is Moog still the only type of synthesizer around? Today, electronic music is everywhere, with synthesizers made by countless companies and replicated via digital music production software. However, this did not lead Moog to rest on their achievements.
What were Moog's subsequent steps? In 1970, Moog introduced the Minimoog, an even more portable iteration of their initial synthesizer model which quickly became popular. Despite expecting to sell roughly 100 units primarily to specialized studio musicians, they ended up selling thousands each year for over ten years. The success of this instrument led to additional innovations like the Vocoder, Micromoog, Multimoog, and Polymoog, establishing Moog as a prominent brand in the musical landscape. Their equipment played significant roles in many progressive rock records from bands including Yes, Tangerine Dream, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Arguably one of its most commercially successful contributions during the '70s came with Donna Summer’s track “I Feel Love,” largely crafted using the Moog synthesizer.
What happened to Moog? In the early '80s, as competitors emerged offering alternatives to Moog synthesizers, the company faced significant challenges. The digital instruments produced by firms such as Yamaha proved particularly challenging for Moog, leading to financial troubles culminating in the firm declaring bankruptcy in 1987. However, by 2002, there was renewed appreciation for Moog's pioneering work among enthusiasts who viewed these devices through a lens of nostalgic sentimentality. This prompted the revival of a fresh line of synthesizers under the Moog brand. Robert Moog passed away in August 2005 at age 71; nevertheless, the business has persisted and currently manufactures an array of synth products, featuring recent additions like the Spectravox, Labyrinth, and Muse models launched this year.