FSMR
Contents
FSMR
FSMR (Fundamental Systems Music Research) was a center for research and development of new musical instruments in the electronic performing arts, located in Bangalore, [INDIA]]. It was a center for research in Indian Electronic music and Computer Music. The group began its operations in 1976.
History
FSMR began in 1976. It was founded by physists, composers and computer scientists most of whom were involved in building the TIRFAC, the first Indian computer. Inspired by the visits of John Cage, David Tudor and other American composers to India, FSMR's experiments were built on combining Hindustani and Carnatic music with Electronics and Computers. A revolving array of composers and sound engineers worked at the FSMR. 3 volumes of selected music were released as quadrophonic records.
<ref>Scandals about the groups funding and internal discord caused the laboratory to shut-down in the mid eighties.</ref>
Research
The FSMR built one of the first synthesizers - the APSARA. Inspired by a visit to an Italian concert of Electronic music. The synthesizer featured a keyboard optimised to play microtones and Indian Scales.
Music
Recordings of the work created at the Laboratory were released and are currently being digitized. Composers working at FSMR released one of the first quadrophinic records in India.
Notes
References
Subcontinental Synth: David Tudor and the First Moog in India
