• Short Summary

    Good footage of the the Ether a new musical instrument.

  • Description

    Full titles read: "For generations the invention of new music-making instruments has almost stood still. Today we present Professor Maurice Martenot with his new electrical creation."

    The song featured in the beginning is "Starry Night", the hymn.

    M/S's of Martenot playing the new instrument. The invention has a keyboard similar to that of a piano, however it also has a strange wire that lies on top of the keys, which Martenot holds as he plays. Martenot explains that the machine works by electrical devices and opens up the it's top to look inside. He makes several sounds with the device including the sound of a bird and of a double bass, just by pressing a few buttons.

    Note: Appears to be a very early form of electrical organ or synthesiser. Ron Saunders says "This Frenchman's accent puts Sellers / Clouseau's to shame".

  • Tags

  • Data

    Film ID:
    1094.22
    Media URN:
    37861
    Group:
    Pathetones
    Archive:
    British Pathé
    Issue Date:
    26/01/1934
    Sound:
    Sound
    HD Format:
    Available on request
    Stock:
    Black & White
    Duration:
    00:02:48:00
    Time in/Out:
    01:34:30:00 / 01:37:18:00
    Canister:
    PT 205

Comments (1)

  1. Unknown user says

    The instrument being demonstrated here is the original version of the Ondes Martenot. More information about the instrument and its development here......

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onde
    s_Martenot

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