Search - Hugh Le Caine :: Hugh Le Caine: Compositions & Demonstrations, 1946-1974

Hugh Le Caine, early electronic music pioneer, demonstrates his Electronic Sackbut in 1948 by playing the opening clarinet solo from Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue'. Working at his Toronto laboratory, supported by the Canadian National Research Council, he went on to engineer and prototype the touch sensitive organ, variable speed recorder, multi-track recorder, and numerous other magnificent electronic instruments. And he demonstrated his inventions by composing his own music and by arranging well known tunes, demonstrating at the same time that he was a talented musician and that he had a great sense of humor. This CD, produced by Gayle Young, Le Caine's biographer, is a comprehensive compilation of his music, much of it not available before. The CD also includes many of Le Caine's spoken explanations of his demonstrations which make the CD come alive with human interest. In its commemoration of a remarkable personality and in the historical importance of its content, this is an essential CD. In the extent to which it is also enjoyable, it is a stunning accomplishment.