User:Dusty stardust/Osmond Kendall

Osmond Kendall in 1953 developed for the Canadian Marconi Company the Composer-Tron. It is the first analogue synthesis and composition instrument of its kind. It utilized a unique and innovative control system that had a cathode ray tube input device that could read shapes or patterns that was hand drawn on to its surface with a grease pencil. The drawn shape could define the timbre of the note, or the envelope shape of the sound. A sequence of the rhythmical markings could be defined using the writings similar to a cue sheet type strip of film.

This was the future innovation for composers, it enabled them to test their work before allowing an orchestra to play. With Kendal's grease pencil, the composer could draw the grooves, run it through the Composer-Tron and can ensure that all written music was tested first before symphony orchestra’s played the music. Sometimes composers would have to wait years just to listen if their work was complete. Sometimes their best work was never heard by the composer himself.

John Stardust 30-08-08