Morton Subotnick is one of the pioneers in the development of electronic music, intermedia performance and interactive computer music systems. In the early 1960s Subotnick worked with Don Buchla on what may have been the first analog synthesizer. In 1961 he co-founded the San Francisco Tape Music Center together with Pauline Oliveros, Steve Reich, Terry Riley and Ramon Sender. In 1966 he moved to New York with the Actors Workshop, becoming the first musical director of the Lincoln Center Rep Company. The seminal work
Silver Apples of the Moon was commissioned by Nonesuch Records in 1967, marking the first time an original large-scale composition had been created specifically for LP.
The next eight years saw the production of other important compositions for LP:
The Wild Bull, Touch, Sidewinder and
Four Butterflies. In 1969 Subotnick relocated to Los Angeles and helped found the California Institute of the Arts. In 1975 he composed 'Until Spring', developing a technique for recording voltage control for real time modulation of sequenced compositions. He later developed methods for live performers to control computer music, also using traditional musical instruments to control computer generated sounds.
In addition to electronic music, Subotnick has written for symphony orchestra, chamber ensembles, theater and multimedia productions. In more recent years Subotnick has done groundbreaking work to offer musical creative tools to young children. He has authored a series of six CD-ROMS for children, a children's website and developed a program for the classroom and after school programs.
mortonsubotnick.com
Appearances:
CTM.11 OPENING CONCERT
CTM.11 TAPE RECORDERS, THE TRANSISTOR AND THE CREDIT CARD: A PERSONAL HISTORY
CTM.11 CINECHAMBER MODULE 2
