In Search of a Concrete Music

In Search of a Concrete Music chronicles Pierre Schaeffer's groundbreaking work in developing musique concrète, a form of experimental music composition using recorded sounds. The book combines personal journals from 1948-1952 with technical writings and theoretical explorations of this new musical form. Composed of four main sections, the text presents Schaeffer's methodical documentation of his experiments at the Studio d'Essai in Paris. His work involved recording everyday sounds, manipulating them through various techniques, and assembling them into musical compositions without traditional instruments. The book provides detailed accounts of Schaeffer's technical processes, his successes and failures, and the evolution of his compositional methods. Through journal entries and theoretical writings, it documents the birth of electronic music studio techniques that would influence generations of composers. This pioneering text represents more than just a historical document - it captures a pivotal moment in twentieth-century music when technology began reshaping the fundamental nature of musical composition and sound itself.

Readers describe this book as dense and theoretical, requiring focused attention to grasp Schaeffer's concepts about musique concrète and sound objects. Positive reviews highlight: - Detailed documentation of early electronic music experiments - Clear explanations of Schaeffer's research methods - Valuable historical context for sound art development - Useful practical examples and diagrams Common criticisms: - Complex philosophical language makes concepts hard to follow - Translation from French loses some clarity - Not enough practical guidance for modern music creation - Too much focus on outdated recording technology Ratings: Goodreads: 4.13/5 (38 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (6 ratings) One reader noted: "Reading this is like watching someone invent music theory from scratch - fascinating but sometimes tedious." Another commented: "The technical sections feel obsolete, but his observations about listening and sound perception remain relevant." The book receives more attention from academic readers and sound artists than general music enthusiasts.

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🎵 Musique concrète originated in 1948 at Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (RTF), where Schaeffer created the first pieces using turntables and mixing equipment 🔊 Schaeffer's concept of "reduced listening" revolutionized sound perception by encouraging listeners to focus on the inherent qualities of sounds rather than their sources 📼 The book details the invention of the first tape recorder specifically designed for music - the phonogène - which could change pitch without affecting duration 🎹 Before becoming a music theorist, Schaeffer was a radio engineer, and this technical background heavily influenced his approach to experimental composition 🎼 The term "acousmatic sound" - listening to sounds without seeing their source - was revived by Schaeffer from ancient Greek philosophy where Pythagoras taught behind a curtain