One of the greatest things about growing up in the 70’s is that we were surrounded by analog synthesizers in so many aspects of pop culture. The moon landing (which, ahem, really happened) was still fresh in our collective minds, the public’s imagination was open to the possibilities of a high-tech future. The sound of synthesizers was symbolic of a coming space-age. Unlike the sampled sounds and chime-like tones characteristic of FM and LA synthesis that would come later, analog synths produced a distinctively electronic sound that instantly conjured association with outer space, robots, and – well – aliens.
New and up-and-coming director Steven Spielberg, and film soundtrack composer John Williams, recognized the futuristic associations with the synthesizer sound, and so the role was cast for Earth’s ambassador to the visiting aliens: The ARP 2500 modular synthesizer.
Oddly enough, the spaceship’s deep sounds were performed on a far less futuristic tuba. But the resulting fugue-like counterpoint of synthesizer and tuba produced one of film’s most intriguing musical interludes, one in which the musical arrangement convincingly portrayed a first dialogue between two worlds.
For some recent examples of what the legendary 2500’s sonic capabilities, be sure to visit David Baron’s Youtube channel, where he showcases a number of exquisite modern compositions on the ARP 2500.
Categories: Synth Music
