When we talk about electronic music today, we often think of genres like EDM, trap, house, dubstep, techno, as well as DJs and various popular music styles. However, electronic music has a broader meaning and exists in many aspects of our lives.
Electronic music involves generating sound through circuits powered by electricity and creating compositions with these sounds. The advancement of technology and inventions of new instruments have influenced not only electronic music styles but also various acoustic music genres such as rock, jazz, RnB, reggae, funk, soul, disco, and classical music. When we consider music's branches, we find various film scores, sound effects, sound design, video game music, commercials, phone ringtones, doorbells, and everyday devices like cars, planes, refrigerators, sometimes presenting as music, melodies, or meaningful signals. Today, technology has significantly enriched music, shaping it in various ways. We can now record and listen to acoustic classical music through electronic devices. In fact, these developments have evolved over time with the discovery of electricity, the advancement of technology and science, shaping designs produced for music, and new musical approaches resulting from these designs, evolving in parallel and continually influencing each other.
Electronic music is the name given to music created using electronic instruments. These instruments operate on low-voltage systems and utilize components such as transistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits. They are fundamentally divided into two categories: electromechanical instruments and electronic instruments. Examples of electromechanical instruments include the Telharmonium, Hammond B3 organ, Rhodes piano, and electric guitar, where sound production involves mechanical elements like springs, power amplifiers, and speakers. In contrast, electronic instruments like the Theremin, synthesizers, and computer-based systems are designed to generate sounds directly from electrical signals.
Let's take a look at the first examples and instruments of electronic music. It all began in the late 19th century. The earliest electronic music experiments were observed in Italy. These compositions were primarily focused on producing experimental sounds rather than tonal melodies. The initial instrument inventions during this period were never sold but instead used in various public demonstrations.