Wendy Carlos's Switched-On Bach

Roshanak Kheshti's book explores the importance of spy technology, the Cold War, and Wendy Carlos's gender to the success of the Moog synthesizer and Switched-On Bach, the highest-selling classical music recording of all time.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 118 pages
\n Publication date: 31 October 2019
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
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The synthesizer, created by Bob Moog and his brand-name instrument, has garnered significant attention in both popular and scholarly circles. However, there has been a lack of exploration into the importance of spy technology, the Cold War, and Wendy Carlos' gender in the development of this groundbreaking innovation. In her book, "Switched-On Bach: An Electronic Exploration of Music," Roshanak Kheshti employs a postcolonial lens of feminist science and technology studies to critically examine Carlos' music within this gendered context. By focusing on the album "Switched-On Bach," which holds the record for being the highest-selling classical music recording of all time, Kheshti delves into the significance of gender in the album's and, consequently, the Moog synthesizer's phenomenal success.

Kheshti argues that the Cold War environment, characterized by tensions and competition between nations, played a significant role in shaping the development of the synthesizer. The need for covert communication and surveillance led to the development of sophisticated electronic devices, including the Moog synthesizer, which could be used for espionage and intelligence gathering. Carlos, as a female musician and composer, was uniquely positioned to leverage her skills and knowledge in the field of electronic music to contribute to the development of the synthesizer.

Despite the challenges and barriers that women faced in the male-dominated music industry, Carlos was able to break through and achieve success with her music. Her innovative compositions and use of electronic technology set her apart from her male contemporaries and helped to establish the synthesizer as a legitimate musical instrument. Kheshti further explores the gendered implications of the Moog synthesizer and its association with technology and innovation. The synthesizer was often marketed and perceived as a tool for male musicians and composers, with its complex electronic circuits and technical specifications making it accessible only to those with a certain level of technical expertise.

However, Kheshti argues that the Moog synthesizer was also a tool for gender empowerment and liberation. Women were able to use the synthesizer to create their own music and express their creativity in ways that were previously limited by traditional musical instruments. The synthesizer allowed women to break free from the constraints of gender roles and stereotypes and to participate in the music industry on their own terms.

In conclusion, "Switched-On Bach: An Electronic Exploration of Music" by Roshanak Kheshti is a groundbreaking work that provides a fresh perspective on the development of the synthesizer and its significance in the history of music. By examining the role of spy technology, the Cold War, and Wendy Carlos' gender in the innovation, Kheshti sheds light on the complex relationships between technology, music, and gender. The book offers valuable insights into the ways in which women have been marginalized and excluded from the fields of science and technology, and how they have used their skills and knowledge to contribute to important advancements in these fields.

\n Weight: 116g\n
Dimension: 121 x 165 x 6 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781501320286\n \n