In this article, the phrase “modern high-tech art of sound” is used in a working order to refer to an extensive field of art, the material of which is sound. This conglomerate includes: electroacoustic, electronic and computer music, acousmatic, sound-art, sound design and other directions. The article focuses on such fundamental concept as “electronic music”. In our opinion, this term and a number of related concepts at the present stage require rethinking. The answer to the question “What is electronic music?” still causes considerable difficulties. The article critically examines and analyzes various encyclopedic definitions as well as the judgments of Russian and foreign researchers and composers. To substantiate the proposed definition, the data from musicology, musical acoustics, the provisions of the theory of signals and circuits are used.
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