James Tenney - Selected Works: 1961-1969

Some of the earliest and most imaginative electronic and computer-generated music. Tenney was one of the first composers to use Max Mathew's computer music synthesis system at Bell Labs, and this CD includes some works created there: "Ergodos II (For John Cage)" and "Analog #1: Noise Study." Also included are his humorous study of Elvis Presley's voice in "Collage #1 (Blue Suede)"; the terrifying "Fabric for Che"; and the illusionary "For Ann (Rising)," an audio version of the persistence-of-motion visual illusion (e.g., when a stopped train still seems to be moving to a passenger), in which tones rise but get nowhere -- until the final ascension. Read More