David Vorhaus Analogue Electronic Music 1979

In this historical video excerpt, David Vorhaus talks about two of his analogue inventions - the MANIAC analogue sequencer, and the Kaleidophon from 1979.

The MANIAC (Multiphasic Analog Inter-Active Chromataphonic (sequencer)) was an analogue sequencer having variable step lengths, and the ability to split sequences into several smaller groupings giving considerable sonic potentiality. Addition and subtraction of events was possible, as well as the possibility to chromatically correct the output during performance. David could program his MANIAC sequencer to play a background rhythm or combination of musical events, to then improvise over the top with another instrument or synthesizer.

The Kaleidophon was a double-bass-like instrument using four velocity-sensitive ribbon controllers instead of strings. The instrument is played entirely using the left hand, leaving the right hand free to manipulate the sound via a number of controllers and a joystick.

David speaks about the processes of making electronic music, and the developments that such possibilities can provide for the imaginative electronic musician. This excerpt is taken from the BBC 1979 documentary entitled "The New Sound of Music" hosted by Michael Rodd.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• David
• Vorhaus
• electronic
• synthesizer
• synthesis
• sequencer
• analog
• analogue
• EMS
• VCS3
• music
• MANIAC
• new
• sound
• 1979
• Radiophonic
• Workshop
• White
• Noise
• Kaleidophon
• ribbon
• controller
• studio
• BBC
• voltage
• control
• improvisation
• program
• combination
• joystick

[ajittffcure]

... and after exactly 30 years, these instruments are still in demand amongst enthusiasts.

This is a wonderful clip! Thank-you so much for posting it.

[JeffreyPlaide]

Thankyou so much. Analogue music synthesis has attracted great interest, and musicians are interested in hardware and software that can create such fantastic soundforms with almost infinite variety and variability.

[simonsound1]

Any more footage from this series/show? Thanks for posting this one.

[JeffreyPlaide]

Many thanks!

There is quite a bit of extra material from the 1979 BBC documentary. I have inter-dispersed some excerpts within my other music-related videos. Including the late Malcolm Clark from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop demonstrating the incredible EMS Synthi 100.

[IDWTBAH]

the best way is to take a bunch of acid and hide in his backyard.

[machv]

it'll never catch on.



[shobley]

Unnatural blink rate - he must be an android! Let's get 'im!

Seriously this is awesome - some of the most 'musical' stuff I've heard of that period. I've been getting seriously Radiophonic myself just lately - recently acquired a couple of reel to reel machines and a splicing block - all preserved in air from 1967

[rockbandmidi]

@rockbandmidi oops I mean morphwiz (jr rudess ipad app)

[rockbandmidi]

This is an amazing clip-- we take for granted all of the work of pioneers and advancements via moores law. I feel spoiled by the fact I can whip out the ipod or ipad, load bebot or touchwiz.

Great clip-- made my day..

[kevbot71]

David Vorhaus should have gotten more recognition in the electronic music scene. I like him better than Larry Fast or Jarre.

[Remixlab]

I love this video clip a lot. A lot, a lot.

[emarum]

@btown2011 no reels...

[BIGINSF]

"This revolution has hardly begun" Wow