Johann Sebastian Bach, Wendy Carlos - Switched-On Bach
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CD Details
Artist: Johann Sebastian Bach, Wendy CarlosEdition: Music CD
Format: Enhanced, Original recording remastered
CD Release Date: 2001-10-02
Music Label: East Side Digital
Soundtracks:
- Sinfonia to Cantata #29
Music reviews of Switched-On Bach
Music Review: A Musical Impact
Rating: 4 Stars
Background
The album Switched-On Bach was originally released in 1968 on an 8 track vinyl record. The album was composed by Wendy Carlos and Benjamin Folkman and produced by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind. Switched On Bach is comprised of selected portions of John Sebastian Bach's work. Switched On Bach is primarily articulated with the Moog Modular synthesizer, which derives its name from its creator Dr. Robert Arthur Moog.
Success
The original estimation of CBS records, the record company responsible, originally under estimated the specialness of Switched On Bach, by releasing it with other lesser quality albums which upset Windy Carlos enough that she refrained from attending the debut, which ultimately received the deserved respect of listeners.
Switched On Bach's accomplishments include: one of the first classical albums to sell 500,000 copies and go platinum, success on Billboard charts climbing into the top ten, contending in the top 40 for weeks and remaining in the top 200 for over a year, and receiving Grammys for Best Classical Album, Best Classical Music Performance (Instrumental Soloist) and Best Engineered Classical Recording.
Historical Significance
The amount of success accomplished by Wendy Carlos's Switch On Bach has historical significance in its importance in establishing the Moog synthesizer. Switched On Bach is generally accredited with building the eventual good reputation of the Moog Modular synthesizer. Wendy Carlos worked with Robert Moog throughout the production of the album developing and improving the Moog Modular synthesizer system. The Moog synthesizer was a revolutionary and unique instrument at the time. Switched On Bach was responsible for the commercial and musical breakthrough of the Moog synthesizer in to somewhat mainstream music. The popularity of the Moog synthesizer inspired an explosion of interest, craft and production of other synthesizers helping establish Robert Moog as the Godfather of the synthesizer. Specifically the mobility, and therefore the ability to be able to be used in live performances, which was previously unavailable for the type of instrument, allowed the Moog synthesizer to be establish through Wendy Carlos's Switched On Bach.
Switched On Bach also played a key role in overturning the previously negative critical opinion of using electronic synthesizers to perform classical music. Prior to Switched On Bach's arrival such music was disregarded as being pop-py or a bad trend. In general the album led to the reception of solely electronically produced music.
Production
Due to the original and innovative style, lack of modern computer technology, the complexity and depth of the album and to taking time to select appropriate choices, the album took painstaking attention to detail and time commitment. Carlos's talent as a musician and studio engineer can not be denied, demonstrated in Switched On Bach.
Personal Review
Originally conservative critics dismissed Wendy Carlos's work as a disrespectful re-production of classic works. However, I interpret Switched On Bach as a modern tribute to a traditional piece. I think that Wendy Carlos remains true to the original pieces and tones. While remaining true, Wendy Carlos was also able to display her own personality as well as the technology of the time. Switched On Bach is a refreshing new look at a music classic.
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