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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28
BAD BOY MADE GOOD
Presenter: Paul Lehrman, Mix Magazine
Abstract:
George Antheil, the self-proclaimed "Bad Boy of Music," was a brash, colorful, young "ultramodern" American pianist and composer in Europe during the roaring '20s. His works caused fistfights in concert halls and riots in the streets from London to Budapest. His magnum opus, the "Ballet mécanique" for percussion, sound effects, and multiple player pianos, turned Paris on its ear in 1924.
But, the piece called for technology that didn't exist at the time—multiple player pianos could not be synchronized. So the version he heard in his head was never performed in his lifetime.
75 years later, thanks to a forward-thinking music publisher (G. Schirmer), a music technologist (Paul Lehrman), a modern player-piano manufacturer (Yamaha), and the latest in computer music technology, the piece was performed the way the composer wanted it.
"Bad Boy Made Good" is a 71-minute documentary film written by our presenter, Paul Lehrman, and directed by award-winning LA filmmaker Ron Frank. It tells the story of Antheil's meteoric rise and catastrophic fall, and the historical development of a piece that has been called "the most important work of the first half of the 20th century." Visit website www.antheil.org for background on this project.
| FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29 |
CLASSIC MICROPHONES FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF RADIO
Presenter: Barry Brose, Highland Laboratories
Abstract:
Mr. Brose will demonstrate some of the old classic microphones—how they were built, how they look, how they were used, and how they sound. The demonstration includes carbon, condenser, dynamic, and velocity microphones. He will also discuss the invention of the cardioid microphone.
Friday, October 29, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm Panel; 6:00 pm Technology Demos
BAY AREA ELECTRONIC MUSIC PIONEERS: INNOVATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO MUSIC SYNTHESIS, AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSING, AND ELECTRONIC MUSIC
LOCATION: Recombinant Media Labs, 763 Brannan St, (six blocks from Moscone Convention Center); show your convention badge for entry. CLICK FOR MAP
Moderator: Mark Vail, Author of "Vintage Synthesizers"
Panelists:
Don Buchla - Buchla and Associates
John Chowning - CCRMA at Stanford University
Roger Linn – Roger Linn Design
Max Mathews - CCRMA at Stanford University
Tom Oberheim – Marion Systems
Dave Rossum – E-mu Systems Inc.
Dave Smith – Dave Smith Instruments
Abstract:
The radiant evolution of electronic music can be attributed to a number of significant developments that took place along the California coastline from the 1960s to the present day. Innovations from the forefathers of electronic music’s wild west became the foundation for modern audio signal processing and electro-musical devices. From the tech benches of these pioneers came distinctive discoveries and instrumental technologies including alternative music controllers, audio generating algorithms, computer controlled music performance, digital audio sampling, musical event sequencing, musical synthesizer design, speech processing, and synthesized rhythm devices. A moderated panel discussion with our distinguished pioneers will be preceded by a short video presentation highlighting their innovations and contributions to electronic music. On-site demonstrations of various electronic music technologies will follow a Q&A session.
| SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30 |
THE BIRTH OF RADIO BROADCASTING: CHARLES HERROLD AND THE FIRST RADIO STATION
Presenter: Mike Adams, Chair Department of TV, Radio, Film & Theatre, San Jose State University
Abstract:
In 1909 an obscure San Jose inventor named Charles Herrold began building a radiotelephone. For his microphone he used six carbon buttons in a telephone-like handset. The microphone was water-cooled because in order to broadcast, it was wired in series with a DC arc transmitter, modulating the arc current. In the January 1910 issue of the Electro-Importing Company catalogue, this notarized statement by Herrold appeared in an ad for radio parts: "We have been giving wireless telephone concerts to amateur men in the Santa Clara Valley." This document is a "smoking gun", proving Herrold was the first broadcaster. He had invented a radio station and was broadcasting entertainment and information to a small audience ten years before licensed broadcasting and the first use of the word "radio."
Saturday, October 30, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
ENIGMA AND THE "ULTRA SECRET": CRACKING WWII CIPHERS AND THE COMMON ORIGINS OF COMPUTERS, DIGITAL AUDIO, INTERNET SECURITY, AND DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
Presenter: Jon Paul, Curator of the Crypto-Museum
Abstract:
The German Enigma Machine is a fascinating conjunction of cryptology, WWII history, and the foundation of modern computing and DSPs. The cracking of Enigma was pivotal to the Allied victory in both theatres of War. The quest to break the Enigma and other Axis cipher machines at Bletchley Park England led directly to today's digital computer and digital audio technology. In this presentation we trace the history and cracking of several WWII cipher machines, demonstrate the operation of Enigma, and highlight their connections to modern Digital Audio technology.
NOTE!
Saturday, October 30, Start 6:30pm
The AES Technical Council presents the RICHARD C. HEYSER MEMORIAL LECTURE
by Walter Murch
Title: EDISON'S FIRST SOUND FILM AND THE THREE FATHERS OF CINEMA
This event features a presentation of Edison's first sound film from 1894, thought to be lost for many years. For details click here.
| SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31 |
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE MEETING
This meeting is open to all attendees.
Sunday, October 31, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm
“MY EARLY EXPERIENCES FOUNDING, FUNDING, GROWING AND SELLING AUDIO COMPANIES”
Presenter: Peter Gotcher, Independent venture capitalist
Introduction: Roger Linn, Roger Linn Design
Abstract:
Over the past 20 years, Peter Gotcher has been involved as a founder, venture capital investor, board member, business advisor, etc. for a number of audio-related companies. Peter co-founded Digidesign and was Chairman and CEO for thirteen years, through its IPO and subsequent acquisition by Avid. Peter will profile several success stories, including Digidesign, while providing some overall advice on the issues faced by audio entrepreneurs such as starting companies, obtaining funding, managing growth, and achieving liquidity.
