Sound Reproduction

This week, a show about the modern technology of sound reproduction, in three acts.

First, from 1943, “Sound on Film”. Ever wonder how the soundtrack of a movie played in perfect sync with the movie? How do they do it? Now, you too will know. With numerous illustrations and diagrams.

In the second act, a beautiful film from 1956, “The Sound and the Story”. It’s packed with machines, chunky gear, and spinning things. I will let it speak for itself:

“As recorded in new orthophonic, high-fidelity sound by Charles Munch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet plays about 19 minutes. Its production requires varied skills and talents of some 375 people, and some 3000 man-hours of work. Let’s see how some of those hours were spent, to bring you the music you want, when you want it. “

Finally, from 1958:

“Through the years, RCA Victor has built a tradition of continually introducing new ideas and products to bring new thrills and pleasures to millions in home entertainment. In keeping with that tradition, RCA Victor now offers a complete new development, for new listening enjoyment with tape. Watch this: How long do you think it takes the average person to take off one tape and thread in a new one? Two and two-fifths seconds? Thirty-two and one-fifth? Or a minute and ten seconds? Let’s find out.”

Find out the answer, at the Green Bean. As always, a free (and educational!) show of live, improvised music to odd, found movies.