Like many inventions the synthesizer was created by the collective effort of many people in different countries adding small improvements and new technologies one piece at a time. The first electric keyboard was a 7 ton machine produced in 1901 and was called the Teleharmonium. It was built as part of the phone system and when musicians played it people all over New York could dial up the instrument and pipe live music into their homes. The improved version two of the machine in 1906 was a 60 foot long, 200 ton monster. Not surprisingly Teleharmoniums didn't really catch on.
The first true synthesizer was built in 1952 by Raymond Scott and was called The Clavivox.
Synths for All - Minimoog
The first really portable, easy to use, programable synthesizer was also produced in the US by Robert Moog. It was called the Minimoog and went on sale in 1970. You can listen to the sound of the minimoog and learn lore about its origins here.
Synthesizers in the Orchestra
Synthesizers are frequently used in orchestral pieces, especially in film music, such as the Lord of the Rings theme music which the Philharmonia Orchestra has performed on a number of occasions.
Learn more about keyboards in the orchestra.
