After a short introduction, the author begins with a discussion of live electronic music before 1950. The second part, the most important, analyses the characteristics of live electronics since 1950. The author details, with numerous musical examples, the technologies used by performers, the different groups, the role of the computer, the interactions between the collaborative groups, the technologies of the innovative groups and the social role of live electronic music. He also presents various experiments with other arts and media: sound sculpture, television and video recording, using of lasers, astro-bio-geo-physical application and multimedia.