The history and legacy of orchestral music’s most unique instrument, the ondes Martenot
Cécile Lartigau playing the ondes Martenot. Photo credit: Petra Hajská
In our current era of electronic production and digital instruments, orchestral music is often depicted as championing a more ‘traditional’ approach to music, one which relies on classical methods of composition and the production of sound. The ondes Martenot, however, challenges these narratives, blurring the lines between traditional and modern music. The unique and enchanting sound of this nearly 100-year-old electronic instrument has united audiences from all musical backgrounds for decades, forming unlikely connections, and inspiring extraordinary musical works.
