The Tale of The Ondioline: Music's Oldest Synthesizer?

video upload by The Lemon Master

0:00 Intro
1:21 Design
5:50 History
7:46 Rise
10:39 Downfall
12:47 Revival?
14:24 Outro

Note the first "synth" is debatable. The Telharmonium (1897), Ondes-Martenot (1928), Mixturtrautonium (1936), Novachord (1939), amongst others predated it. The Theremin, although not a keyboard instrument, but the inspiration if not the basis for Bob Moog's creations arrived in 1921. For a timeline of electronic instruments see https://120years.net, and for more synth centric, as we know them, see The First Synth to.....

For reverything Ondioline see https://ondioline.com

And related posts:

Jean Jacques Perrey & Dana Countryman - The Good Old Days

New Website Dedicated to the Ondioline

Jean-Jacques Perrey et son Ondioline (pics of my copy here)

And of course, see the Ondioline label for additional posts.

Jean-Jacques Perrey et son Ondioline - New Release Produced by Wally De Backer aka Gotye

Readers of the site should all be familiar with Jean-Jacques Perrey's work. His preferred instrument was the Ondioline. As many of you know, Jean-Jacques Perrey passed away on November 4th of last year. I was actually fortunate enough to see him perform live with Dana Countryman for his 2006 tour.

Wally De Backer aka Gotye has produced Jean-Jacques Perrey et son Ondioline, an archival project featuring Jean-Jacques Perrey's early music with the Ondioline. The release features previously unreleased and rare tracks both on vinyl and digital download.

via Wally De Backer: "I got to know JJ in the years before he passed and this is a labour of love I undertook to pay tribute to his incredible work, specifically with the remarkable Ondioline."

You can read a great article on the Ondioline, Jeen-Jacques Perrey, Wally De Backer and the release at The New Yorker here.

The following are the official details for the release:

"Out on Forgotten Futures on LP/digital

- Never-before-released Ondioline cuts from Jean
- Jacques Perrey’s archive.
- Super rare tracks from early private press releases.
- Meticulously restored and remastered from original sources.
- Includes collaborations with Angelo Badalamenti and Billy Goldenberg.
- 36-page booklet with unreleased archival photos and an essay by Simon Reynolds.
- Compilation curated and produced by Wally De Backer (Gotye)

Jean-Jacques Perrey (1929-2016) was a pioneer of electronic pop music celebrated for his uniquely whimsical sampled soundworld, his groundbreaking style of rhythmic tape editing, and his early use of the Moog modular synthesizer.

From seminal instrumental albums such as The In Sound From Way Out! (1965, with collaborator Gershon Kingsley), to Moog Indigo (1970, featuring the classic cut E.V.A.), Perrey’s inimitable sounds have been sampled by everyone from Fat Boy Slim and Gang Starr to Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade!

Not as celebrated or widely known is the fact that Perrey was the world’s only virtuoso of the Ondioline, the remarkable proto-synthesizer developed by Frenchman Georges Jenny in the 1940s.

Jean-Jacques Perrey et son Ondioline focuses on this early period of Perrey’s musical life, when he traveled the world as the Ondioline’s prime demonstrator, began experimenting with multitrack recording technology, and made demo recordings designed to exalt the Ondioline’s incredible array of sounds and effects.

The compilation features never-before released collaborations with Angelo Badalamenti (Twin Peaks, the films of David Lynch) and Billy Goldenberg (Steven Spielberg’s Duel, Columbo) as well as a collaboration with Dick Hyman which delivers the only piece of music composed by Ondioline inventor Georges Jenny currently on record.

Further gems include a sparkling early version of the beloved Pioneers of the Stars, given a stirring Ennio Morricone-esque arrangement here, as well as choice selections from Musique Electronique du Cosmos, the highly collectible album of library music Perrey recorded in 1963.

Ondioline enthusiasts will be excited to hear a super rare extended demonstration of the instrument, recorded by Perrey in the early 1960s, which also receives its first commercial release on this compilation.

A must for dedicated fans, and a vibrant introduction for new listeners to Perrey’s wonderfully individual style of music, Jean-Jacques Perrey et son Ondioline canvasses his unparalleled mastery of the Ondioline, points towards the exuberance of his later sample and Moog-heavy work, and importantly, illuminates a reflective and melancholy side to his recorded work that expands on his already considerable achievements.

Curated by long-time Perrey fan and recent collaborator Wally De Backer (Gotye), this is the first release on Forgotten Futures, a new record label set up by De Backer to excavate lost works by pioneering producers and musical instrument inventors. De Backer got to know Perrey over the last few years of his life, visiting him a number of times at his home in Switzerland, and coordinating the archiving of his recordings, photos and music scores. Perrey mentored De Backer in the restoration and playing of Ondiolines, and through their developing connection over this instrument, Perrey entrusted De Backer with a number of the rare masters and one-of-a-kind test pressings of Ondioline recordings that form the basis of this compilation.

Tracks:1. La Vache et le Prisonnier 2. Visa to the Stars (commercial arrangement) 3. Chicken on the Rocks4. Danielle of Amsterdam 5. Cigale 6. L'âme des Poètes 7. Dandelion Wine 8. Barnyard In Orbit9. Sérénade à la Mule 10. Mars Reflector 11. Pioneers of the Stars (orchestral arrangement)12. to 38. Ondioline demonstration from Satellite Records acetates"

https://jean-jacquesperrey.bandcamp.com/

Photograph by Anna Webber

via The New Yorker:

"Wouter De Backer, known as Gotye, has a keen understanding of the electronic musician Jean-Jacques Perrey’s discography, and of the nuances it contains."

Gotye to Pay Tribute to Jean-Jacques Perrey at Moogfest

via Moogfest:

"At Moogfest 2017, Gotye will present a tribute to Jean-Jacques Perrey. Jean-Jacques Perrey (1929-2016) was an alternative pop visionary, a pioneer of rhythmic tape editing techniques, and a virtuoso of the rare French electronic musical instrument, the Ondioline. Gotye, a long-time Perrey fan and a budding Ondiolinist, has assembled the Ondioline Orchestra, an ensemble dedicated to reviving the spirit of this rare and unusually expressive early synthesizer. The ensemble features thereminist/keyboardist Rob Schwimmer, vintage synth specialist and ex-Psychedelic Furs member Joe McGinty, as well as members of acclaimed alternative band Zammuto. Perrey’s best-known songs will be celebrated alongside ultra rare pieces co-written with Angelo Badalamenti and Billy Goldenberg in an eclectic set juxtaposing Perrey’s joyful and boisterous pop with more reflective work spanning three decades of his career. Ondioline Orchestra perform all sounds live, including Perrey’s signature sample sounds, classic Moog patches, and a rich variety of Ondioline timbres on fully-restored original instruments. This show is a rare opportunity for fans of early electronic pop music to celebrate this influential producer/performer’s wonderfully inventive studio work in a live environment."

How cool is that? I had no idea Gotye was into the Ondioline and Jean-Jacques Perrey.

Jean-Jacques Perrey has been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH numerous times in the past. I was fortunate enough to see him perform live back in 2006. I'll never forget that show. It was pure magic. That image to the left was from it. That's Jean-Jacques Perrey on the left and Dana Countryman on the right.

RIP Jean-Jacques Perrey 1929-2016

The image to the left may be a little blurry, but it comes from the one time I actually got to see Jean-Jacques Perrey live with Dana Countryman, back in 2006. I took that photo. That was one of the rare times I could sum up an experience in one word: magical. Well maybe two: magical, and joyful. That may sound cliche to some, but it is 100% accurate, and I do have to say, with the absolute upmost respect, Jean-Jacques Perrey (and Dana Countryman) put on one of the funnest shows I've been too. The man brought absolute joy to life. When I was a kid I had no idea I was listening to his tunes while watching Disneland's Main Street Electrical parade! He was a pioneer of electronic music that brought humor and playfulness to his music throughout his career. I still remember his pet elephant (you'll need to go through numerous posts here on MATRIXSYNTH to find it. :) As you'll see his presence influenced many posts here on MATRIXSYNTH over the years. His main instrument was the Ondes Martenot.

Image credit: Mal Meehan, in via Dana Countryman, who had the following to say (Update: you can find his full words here - do take the time to read it for a fascinating bit of synth history):

"My dear friend and mentor Jean Jacques Perrey passed away today, November 4th, 2016. His illness came on quickly, and he did not suffer long, for which I’m happy. I’m extremely sad that I’ll never see him again, but I have been playing some of his happiest music today, and it immediately cheered me up. I know that’s what he would want --- for everyone to be happy, and not to be sad."

He will be missed, but his music and memories will continue to bring joy to people for years to come. He brought so much joy to the world. Thank you Jean-Jacques Perrey!

Update: Dana Countryman wrote a longer piece on Jean-Jacques Perrey here. Do take the time to read it. From that piece:

"For those who don’t realize it, Jean-Jacques rst started recording electronic music in 1952, long before the Moog synthesizer was rst made for sale in 1967. Relocating from Paris to New York City, JJ actu- ally owned and recorded with the second Moog ever produced, and with his musical partner Gershon Kingsley, they released their rst Moog album -- almost two years before Wendy Carlos released her rst Moog album. Jean-Jacques was truly the pioneer of popular electronic music.

His crazy, happy music has been heard everywhere from commercials, to Sesame Street - in hip-hop songs, in dance remixes and most famously, for decades in the delightful featured music in Disneyland’s 'Main Street Electrical Parade'. In recent years, his music has even made appearances on the Simpsons, and on Comedy Central’s 'South Park'."

Update2: one more sent my way via @bronwenjones:

Jean-Jacques Perrey & Dana Countryman - Funky Little Spacegirl - Music Video

Uploaded on Jan 19, 2009 mee3d

"View a High quality version here - www.funkylittlespacegirl.com

Celebrating 80 years of Jean-Jacques Perrey's Legendary Happy Electropop Music here is the Music Video for "Funky Little Spacegirl", released from the new album with Dana Countryman 'Destination Space'. Available on Oglio Records. Music Video Created by Mal Meehan from mee3d"

Synthesizers.com New Midi Keyboard and Expression Block Demonstration by Dana Countryman

Published on Mar 13, 2014 Happymoogman Johnson·48 videos

"Dana Countryman demonstrates the synthesizers.com 5-octave pressure-sensitive midi keyboard, and the Q181 Expression Block."

"The Ondioline School of Paris" Ad & Ondioline User Manuals

You'll find them on Dana Countryman's Ondioline.com sub site here.

Breath Martenot - Breath driven Pulley/Ring controller - Work in progress.

Published on Mar 22, 2013 Mark Steiner·5 videos

"This is the 2nd prototype of my own version of a Martenot style controller. I decided to expose the pulley loop fully. I find it's pretty interesting/fun to watch the loop and hear the pitch change accordingly. I've had a few ideas about maybe attacking LED's to the pulleys to mix some light up real time. Could be fun.

Usually these kind of instruments (silimart to the Ondes Martenot) use a left hand pressure key for volume/filter brightness. On mine, I am using a Nyle Steiner breath controller, which really makes for smooth dynamics and fast articulation. There are even some parts showing multiple tonguing techniques often used by trumpet and other wind players to tongue fast by saying Tu Ku Tu Ku or Tu Tu Ka.

Special thanks to Nyle Steiner for the great sounding synth oscillators and filters used in this demo. Also thanks to Dana Countryman and Mike Beauchamp for their own expertise and inspiration in relation to instruments like this.

Thanks for listening! See my current classical electronic project at ThePinesofRome.com."

Squeeze Ribbon Synthesizer - Modification of an Eowave Ribbon

Squeeze Ribbon Synthesizer - My modification of an Eowave Ribbon.

Published on Sep 30, 2012 Mark Steiner·4 videos

"Squeeze Ribbon. I added a squeeze nuance inducer to this Eowave Ribbon. More consistency of dynamics across a phrase of notes than the pressure sensor on the ribbon controller. This would be a great way to phrase an Ondes Martenot. This frees up the left hand for sound changes, another instrument, chords, hitchhiking etc.

A small pressure sensor should do the same thing, used this way, perhaps thumb against ring, or index finger or (as Dana Countryman suggested to me) thumb against the third finger. First test of this, could be refined but good proof of concept.

Special thanks to Nyle Steiner for adding CV routing into a Steiner EVI sound module to allow this and some other modifications I'm working on.

Have a look at 'ThePinesofMars.blogspot.com'."

"When You Wish Upon A Star", played by Dana Countryman

Published on Jan 14, 2013 Dana Countryman·38 videos

"Dana Countryman plays the classic 'When You Wish Upon A Star' on his homemade 'Martenot Controller for Modular Synthesizer'. Easier to play than a Theremin! For more information about the Martenot Controller, please visit www.danacountryman.com"

I believe that is a synthesizers.com modular.

Also see:
Isao Tomita - When you wish upon a Star

Mark Evans Rock and Moog Party

via Dana Countryman on Facebook

"One of the coolest versions of "Caravan" I've ever heard.... on the MOOG!"

Dana Countryman plays with Jean-Jacques Perrey.

A search for Dana Countryman on the top right will bring up numerous posts featured here on MATRIXSYNTH.

"Melancholy Trumpet" by Dana Countryman

YouTube Uploaded by happymoogman on Jul 31, 2011

"A short demonstration of me, (Dana Countryman) performing a composition I'm working on: 'Melancholy Trumpet.' The trumpet modeling software is from SampleModeling.com. I'm still in the process of mastering how to play it.....

Note: Universal Music Group -- keep your hands off my music!
©2011, Friends Romans Music."

Ginette - DIY instrument based on the ondes Martenot

YouTube Uploaded by pemakini on May 8, 2011

"I designed and built this instrument during 2010-2011. The idea is based on the ondes Martenot that was invented by Maurice Martenot in 1928. My instrument is named 'Ginette' after Ginette Martenot - an ondist and the sister of Maurice Martenot. She played ondes Martenot at the premiere of Olivier Messiaen's Turangalîla-Symphonie.

The heart of the instrument is a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that produces the sound. I found great VCO design from Music From Outer Space -website. The VCO produces four waveforms or timbres - sine, triangle, ramp and square - which can be selected on the panel. The range of the fingerboard is four octaves and on the panel there is an octave selection knob, so the total pitch range is nine octaves. In practice the tracking isn't so accurate in very high and low registers. There are connectors for an external CV and a gate, so the instrument can also be controlled using external device like a keyboard or a sequencer, which both are my future DIY projects. I am going to improve the instrument by adding a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA). This would fix the problem with the volume control button that leaks some signal when it's supposed to be mute.

The background noise in the video is due to the tube amplifier.

Here's the link to MFOS VCO:
http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/analogsynth/VCO20090724REV0/VCO20090724REV...

Dana Countryman's ondes Martenot controller project inspired me to start my own project. Here's the link:
http://www.danacountryman.com/martenot_project/martenot.html

Thanks to: Ray Wilson and Music From Outer Space, Dana Countryman
Special thanks to: Heta, Mikko, Teemu"

Jean-Jacques Perrey Biography by Dana Countryman

via Dana Countryman

"My biography, "Passport To The Future: The Amazing Life and Music of Electronic Pop Music Pioneer Jean-Jacques Perrey", is out NOW!
312 pages, and over 250 photographs. Interviews with Angelo Badalamenti, Robert Moog, Gershon Kingsley and many more...
Available online, and in select bookstores.

Order online here:
https://www.createspace.com/3489660

More info here:
http://passport-to-the-future.com/

- Dana Countryman
http://www.danacountryman.com"

Also on Amazon.

Added to the Synth Books section.

Moog_Tastic Offer from Dana Countryman

"The future of electronic music is now, and the legacy of Bob Moog's musical genius is alive. -- Dana Countryman

Bob Moog's inspiration spans generations of people who love music, technology and making a difference! That is why Dana Countryman—musician, composer and Jean-Jacques Perry musical partner and biographer—is offering something truly special for people who support Bob Moog's legacy with a donation to the Bob Moog Foundation

The Dana Countryman/ Jean-Jacques Perrey Holiday Moog Inspiration Gift Package

Dana's 2010 release of Moog-tastic: Electronic Melodies from the 24th Century

plus

Dana and Jean-Jacques Perrey's second collaboration, Destination Space, “a Moog-fueled trip dripping with Space Age Spy Pop and Funky Science Fiction”

plus

A handsome autographed photograph of Moog synth music legend, Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman in the studio.

All for your donation of $75 to the Bob Moog Foundation..."

Full details here. Also, don't forget to vote for the Bob Moog Foundation today and every day in December.

Jean-Jacques Perrey Biography

via Dana Countryman

"My biography on the legendary electronic pop pioneer, Jean-Jacques Perrey is finally out NOW!!!

This has been a seven-year project, and it feels so good to finally have my book completed, and out for sale!
It will be in stores soon, and also it will be on Kindle soon, but for now you can order physical copies from my web site.

The book is 312 pages long, and has over 250 photos and illustrations. This is the ONLY biography of this French genius, and I'm proud that Jean-Jacques chose me to write it.
I interviewed scores of Jean-Jacques' collaborators and friends for this book, including Angelo Badalamenti, Robert Moog, Gershon Kingsley, Don Dorsey, Vinnie Bell, Billy Mure, and many, many more.

You can view sample pages on the ordering site here:

http://www.danacountryman.com/not%20yet.html.

I hope you'll check it out."

Update: I originally had "Auto Biography" in the title. It's actually a biography. Title fixed.

BTW, this would make a great "stocking stuffer" for the coming holidays.

Jean Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman SF 2006

YouTube via doctorpopular | August 30, 2006

"Footage from Jean Jacques Perrey's August 27th show at Recombinant Labs in San Francisco. JJP is on the left, Dana Countryman is on the right.

More info on my blog www.DrownRadio.com" [this post]

Playlist:
Opening Song - Corn on the Cob
JJ on Edith
Chicken On The Rocks
Mickey
Atomic Twist
Pizzicato Samba"

http://www.jeanjacquesperrey.com/
http://danacountryman.com/

Football Commercial, using Jean-Jacques Perrey tune!

YouTube via ElvaLives | September 01, 2010

"Here's a 2010 Football commercial, using Jean-Jacques Perrey's tune, "Brazilian Flower"!
What a combination!"


This one spotted and sent in via Dana Countryman. "It’s all “Moog” -- done in 1968. From JJ’s 1968 Vanguard LP, 'The Amazing New Electronic Sound of Jean-Jacques Perrey.'"

on Amazon.

Added to the synth CDs post.

You might also recognize the track from What you see when you die, previously posted here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Dana Countryman at the PNW Synth Gathering 2010 Pt1

YouTube via matrixsynth | July 28, 2010

http://danacountryman.com/

"Dana goes over the Ondioline and his DIY controller based on the Ondes Martenot."

Dana Countryman at the PNW Synth Gathering 2010 Pt2


Note this is the last video in the PNW Synth Gathering 2010 series. Click here for all posts.

PNW Synth Gathering 2010 Pics

flickr set by matrixsynth (click here for a full screen slideshow - 127 photos)

It was a great event this year. Speakers included John Bowen with the Solaris, Dougcl with a Buchla 200e, Aaron of Analog Bytes with the Atari Pokey module, Carbon111 with the Yamaha VL1, David Skinner with new modules from Synthesizers.com and the Korg MicroSampler, Scott Jaeger of The Harvestman, Scott Rise of Division 6, John L Rice and his massive modular, George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular, Sonja of flight of harmony, James Husted of Synthwerks, Computer Controlled with the Bitchen Sync and other gear, Jeff Sanys with the OLPC, Lorne with various noise makers, and Dana Countryman with the Ondioline and his DIY pitch controller based on the Ondes Martenot.

This was also the last PNW Gathering to be hosted at the Renton Technical College by our gracious host John Marshall. Carbon111 and Laura picked up the cake below for him.

Videos of each talk will follow through the week. I took 23.7 G of pics and video. Big thanks to John L Rice for his 16 G memory card! And Jarett for loaning me his PC to move pics and vids off my memory card.

Jurgen Haible Polymoog Resonator - Quarter-tone sequence

YouTube via angelometz | July 22, 2010

"Quarter-tone sequence testing my freshly built JH polymoog Resonator. This is the first synthesizer module I've built. Sounds really good to my ears. Thanks to Dana Countryman for the silkscreening, and JH for the PCB. www.danacountryman.com www.jhaible.de"