Varèse’s Poème Électronique is one of the first compositions that was created through the use of technology. It’s an 8-minute piece written in 1958. Varèse composed the piece with the intention of creating a liberation between sounds and as a result uses noises not usually considered “musical” throughout the piece. Play from the accompanying CD Track 5 (Poème Électronique) or access it at . While listening, answer the following guide questions on a separate sheet of paper:
• Can you guess the materials used to create the different types of noise used in the piece? Name at least 5.
• How does the piece affect your current mood or emotion? Describe.