BBC Archive Tomorrow's World Moog Synthesiser

Synopsis

In this report from a longer programme, Derek Cooper introduces the Moog synthesiser, an instrument that can produce a variety of noises and arrangements, both mimicking real instruments and creating new sounds, all electronically.

Did you know?

Developed by Dr Robert Moog, the Moog synthesiser evolved from a kit known as a Voltage-Controlled Electronic Music Module, which Moog demonstrated in prototype form in 1964. The first production models emerged in 1967, accompanied by a sample record of music composed by Walter Carlos (later Wendy Carlos, after her sex-change operation in 1972). It was Carlos's 1968 album 'Switched-On Bach' that catapulted Moog-produced music into popular culture, though examples of music made on the synthesiser had already been released by The Doors, The Monkees and Simon & Garfunkel, among others.

Contributors
Derek Cooper
Reporter

Category:

Music

Tags:

• BBC
• Archive
• Tomorrow's
• World
• Moog
• Synthesiser
• Synthesizer
• Modular
• Synth
• 1969

[weeneldo]

"You create your sound by simply plugging into the right holes"

That's still kind of how you get a record deal...

[dunkiep]

03:40 do you think Pete Townsend was listening to that bit????

[abbeyroadjoe]

HE PLAYED NORWEGIAN WOOD!!

[therealsweep]

@Kohntarkosz Yes, exactly. I couldn't agree more.

[Kohntarkosz]

@therealsweep The interesting thing is, when this documentary was done, it would make sense that you mispronounce a name like "Moog", simply because it's a relatively uncommon name. Nowadays, you see the word Moog all over the place, and after all these years, you'd think people would know the correct pronunciation. Yet, you meet people today who even after being corrected, STILL insist on saying "Moooooooog" like a damn cow or something. (shrug)

[therealsweep]

@Kohntarkosz Yes, I thought the same. Those were the times when the BBC bothered to research things properly and make sure what was said was properly understood and properly pronounced. Much better than simply not bothering and having an `it'll do' attitude like they do now. And much more respectful to Bob Moog.

[Redhellmet]

The narrator sounds like Nicholas Courtney.

The song sounds like: Oh du limber Augustin.

[therealKINDLE]

This is Synth porn.

[steandrews1]

Its an interpritation of Norweigan wood by John Lennon ( The Beatles )

[peaceloverforever]

please someone tell me what is the name of song playing on 03:40 ?