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17 Jun 2009 12:17
Various Artists - BBC Radiophonic MusicThe BBC Radiophonic Workshop existed between 1958 and 1998, originally springing to life to create soundscapes for some of Samuel Beckett's radio plays. Running the gamut between soundscapes, catchy jingles, call tunes, and eventually sci-fi programming led to many innovative sound designs, utilizing avant-garde musique concrete and tape manipulation techniques to create the auditory worlds the programmers desired. The unconventional and experimental techniques attracted a number of eccentric and brilliant engineers during their existence, most notably the wonderful Delia Derbyshire, John Baker (who was actually a jazz pianist), and David Cain.
This collection, originally released in 1968, intended as library music, then re-released in 1970 on the BBC's own label, finally coming to light yet again in 2008 on Mute Records, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this hallowed institution. Apparently, 'not representative of the Workshop's whole musical output' (as per the press release), its intent was to entertain rather than enlighten, spotlighting the many different functions of the workshop, from radio jingles to eerie sci-fi soundscapes.
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