Criticism of music has grown harsher in recent days. Its overall quality is questioned, along with the limited talent of artists and the intrusion of technology even into the simplest pieces. But this isn't the first time something like this has happened. Music has undergone several evolutionary leaps in recent decades, changing not only how it's created but also how we consume it. The 1979 documentary The New Sound of Music helps us explore those changes.
The music video for the song "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles was the first video ever aired on MTV, back in August 1981. Honestly, I don't think a better song could have been chosen. Its lyrics (in part) acknowledged the advance of music technology and expressed concern, while also serving as the starting point for a new era in the broadcasting and distribution of songs.
At first, not everyone was happy with this new "visual phase" of music, just as they weren't happy with the intrusion of digital equipment or the radical changes to analog platforms. Yes, in its time, analog was also criticized.
From the Pianola to Magnetic Tape
The documentary The New Sound of Music from 1979 explores the complex evolution of music starting with nothing less than the player piano. Imagine the impact: what was once an instrument that required skill and dedication could now be "played" by moving a lever, pressing pedals, or with a bit of electricity. It's one of the most compelling examples of the mechanization of music, but not the only one.
The changes were felt even more deeply when it came to listening, starting with Edison's phonograph, moving through the gramophone, and finally arriving at the turntable. However, the real explosion of creativity came with magnetic tape. Thanks to it, the pleasure of listening to music was joined by the possibility of modifying it over and over again.
The documentary is divided into four parts, and we're only sharing the first two. The last two sections can be found here and here. In total, The New Sound of Music runs under an hour, but if you're looking for something to watch and you're fascinated by music, this is an excellent choice.
