What are your thoughts on Synthesizers and music created by Synthesizers.

[Gray]

All this old stuff is just old.

...and all the new stuff is just new Ian.
As long as you like it, that's all that matters 👍

 

[Gray]

Penguin dance!

I can only dream about being as cool as them......seriously 😆

 

[AJM1981]

I like the blend of a synthesizer with non synthesizers as a good middleground. What a track like the original 'Chase' by Moroder sets apart from its fully "synthesized" remakes (like on these 'synthesizer greatest' albums recorded by others) is the 'human touch' on the drums. Subtle shuffle and expression difference on the snares and hihats etc.

What is written online about the origins of the drums here is actually a bit vague. Some sources state tape loops were used, some mention a drum computer, though it might have been an actual drummer. Whatever it was, the main point being is that the final result feels less like a clinical conveyor belt drum pattern, which elevates it.

 

[Rodolfo]

Depending on your level or breath of interest, and if you would especially appreciate a musician/producer's perspective, I can recommend two CDs by Bob James: Rameau, and The Scarlatti Dialogues. I specifically recommend the liner notes in the CDs in which the Rhodes Scholar describes and reflects on his synthesizing experiences and production --interesting heady thoughts on "authenticity" and creativity. The Dialogues notes, in particular, are a creative, fascinating, and fun technique wherein he simulates a dialogue with Domenico Scarlatti on the subject.

I much prefer listening to wonderful Tharaud and Horowitz recordings of Scarlatti, of course. (Rameau, I don't even recall what I might have.) But, I've surely reflected more on James's notes over the years, including whenever synthesizer queries like yours surface.

 

[Steve983]

Not sure how many people are familiar with Bandcamp but there is a ton of modern independent synth music there. Whether ambient or more sequencer based sounds are your thing, there is plenty to choose from.

I can certainly recommend the following artists, have a listen and if you find something you like you can buy lossless downloads or any format you like.

Martin Sturtzer

Spaceport, by Martin Stürtzer

7 track album

phelios.bandcamp.com

Subdream

Nameless Constellations, by Subdream

7 track album

exospheremusic.bandcamp.com

Extraworld

Starless, by Extraworld

8 track album

exospheremusic.bandcamp.com

Lisa Bella Donna

Moogmentum (Presented by the Bob Moog Foundation), by Lisa Bella Donna

12 track album

lisabelladonna.bandcamp.com

 

[manicm]

This is a different, interesting track from Jarre.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFjAwG_WjA0

 

[Revolutions]

View: https://youtu.be/q2d5VeE22uU?si=OF1n6dhCVCB1Ybx5

 

[RJW232]

The fun thing about synthesizers (or electronic music in general) is that you can create a soundstage which is almost impossible with "real" instruments. Also the use of the audio spectrum can be optimized in a way that's very difficult otherwise.

Of course it's not comparable to a recording of acoustic instruments, but it's just another way of creating music, or even just sonic landscapes.

And I think that if Beethoven or Mozart could have access to electronics, they would have used it.

 

[record_spot]

I'll add Larry Fast (aka Synergy) and Kitaro to the list. Also Isao Tomita who did his take on electronic versions of some classical works in the 70s.