Radiophonic art
Radiophonic art is an innovative form of artistic expression through the medium of radio. It’s a platform for artistic expression and contemporary arts through broadcasting and radio.
Case study: Daphne Oram “The lost world” (1965)
Daphne Oram (1925-2003) is one of the central figures for the development of British experimental music, she was also known for founding the BBC Radiophonic Workshop in 1958. She mainly used tape manipulation in her art, creating a new form of sound synthesis at the time.
The creation of “The Lost World”:
Oram’s “The Lost World” was first broadcasted in 1965 by the BBC. It was one of her earliest works to explore radio as an art form, merging narrative elements with interesting tape manipulation.
When Oram created “The lost word” (1965), when she was working at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, which was becoming a new space for experimenting with new ways to produce and broadcast contemporary sound. “The Lost World” (1965) was a sonic experiment that utilised tape loops, environmental sounds and electronic manipulation to create a narrative in a non linear way.
The impact it had
The reception it had on its original release was one of innovation, something of this magnitude had been attempted before this. Her music created and influenced electronic musicians and contemporary sound musicians. This piece expanded the idea of electronic music as an art form.
Musical techniques
Layering – By layering several natural and synthetic sounds Oram was able to portray the feeling of “The Lost World“(1965)
Tape manipulation – Oram famously used tape manipulation in her work, this was an early age of music concrete music
Conclusion
While much of Oram’s work remained under-appreciated during her lifetime, her contributions to the world of electronic music and sound art where massive. “The Lost World” (1965) stands as an example of experimental sound design in creating immersive experiences on the radio. Today, Oram’s work continue to inspire artists exploring the world of sound art, technology, and storytelling.
References
-Grierson, M. (2015) Daphne Oram Collection, Goldsmiths, University of London. Available at: https://www.gold.ac.uk/ems/oram/ (Accessed: 16 March 2025).
-Goldsmiths University (2017) Electronic Music Pioneer, Daphne Oram. Available at: https://www.daphneoram.org/ (Accessed: 16 March 2025).
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