Electronic sound technology has influenced the development of music in
many ways. For example, the emphasis on timbre or sound color in modern
instrumental music is often related to experiences and ideas that were developed
in electronic music, as is the case with for example the music of Gyrgy
Ligeti. On the other hand, timbre was already becoming more and more important
in instrumental music, as for example in the music of Edgard Varese (1883-1965).
But, significantly, Varese was indeed dreaming of the possibilities of electronic
or electroacoustic music - a dream that came true at the end of his life
with the composition DÈserts (1954). The alternation of instrumental
and electronic parts in this composition can be considered as a metaphor
for the intertwining of social, cultural and technological factors in the
development of techno-cultural phenomena like electronic music. Technology
does not determine itself in an inevitable way, but is made by humans, men
and women, in a social environment. Nor does technology inevitably determine
cultural or social developments. Tech- nology can be used and developed
in many different ways. It is important to watch out for the fallacy of
technological determinism. When the consequences of technology are presented
as inevitable, often interests, discrepancies, disagreements and power relations
are concealed. Feminist studies of gender and technology often discover
the refrain 'new technologies, old stories': new technologies as vehicles
for old gender patterns.
In relation to electronic sound technology, I have a nice techno-optimistic
dream. Like most dreams, it is not so fantastic at all, and it can be observed
in real life to some extent. One of the most important aspects of electronic
and digital sound technology, that is, the recording of sound, can not only
contribute to the emancipation of timbre, but also to a positive change
in the role of the vocalist. And because vocalists are mostly female whereas
composers are mostly male, this implies a positive change in musical gender
roles.
