Wendy Carlos - Digital Moonscapes (1984)

In which Wendy Carlos (Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Tron et al, not to mention the groundbreaking Switched On... series) writes a full-on orchestral work about space, and records it all using digital synthesisers - with "no microphones", as proudly noted.  In a lengthy liner note, Carlos describes the process of collecting hundreds of synth voices during the early 80s that would emulate the characteristics and dynamics of orchestral instruments - certainly an impressive undertaking in its day - and then composing two astronomical-themed suites intended to appeal to a contemporary audience.

The first suite is the three-part Cosmological Impressions, evoking the vastness of space in grand style.  The remaining 41 minutes are the Moonscapes suite of the album title, covering in its nine sections our own moon and those of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.  Some of these pieces are more immediate and impressive, others take a few more listens to appreciate, but the writing throughout is definitely ambitious and evocative, taking in all of Carlos' classical influences and creating something unique and memorable.  Imagine a Vangelis record where all the atmospherics and synth manipulation are replaced by a focus on intricate composition, and you'll at least be in the right galaxy.

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