free variable

Dr. Robert Moog, pioneer of modular analog synthesis, died today after a battle with brain cancer. The modular analog synthesizer was enormously important to both popular and avant-garde music: with it, the capacity to create electronic timbres was granted to ordinary musicians and not just to academic computer music researchers. For an only slightly exaggerated statement of the impact of Moog’s work, read this press release. (One might take issue with the claim that Wendy Carlos’ Switched On Bach was responsible for the “resurgence” of art music, for example.)

I have been meaning to write up my thoughts on Hans Fjellestad’s Moog film since I saw it (shortly after it was released on DVD). I expect to do so later this week.