The Electronic Arts of Sound and Light

Pellegrino, Ronald

1983

New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Compagny.

Language: English

This compact volume presents the art of sound and light synthesis. It contains a history of electronic art, its theory, composition and performance techniques. The author focuses on “real-time composition, the glue of sound and light synthesis” and gives some keys to understanding the interaction between various instruments.

After an introduction to wave theory, the author offers a complete description of three sound synthesisers (ART 2600, Synthi AKS and Mini-Moog) and briefly discusses new digital techniques. The second part offers and introduction to light synthesis through various media: films, videos and laser shows. The final chapter investigates the light-sound creative processes and the interactions between the two media.

Table of Contents:

  • Prologue: An Ode to Electronic Instruments in the Arts
  • A Brief History
  • The Nature of Waves
  • The Synthesizer: An Interactive Electronic Wave Instrument
  • The Computer
  • Oscillographics and Film
  • Videographics and the Electronic Arts Studio
  • Laser Light Forms
  • Composition