The Phonogram in Cultural Communication

Since its creation, the International UNESCO-Fund for the Promotion of Culture has accorded particular attention to the problems of preserving and promoting music throughout the world. Of the numerous initiatives launched with the Fund's support one ought to mention the foundation of an intercultural school of music in Venice; the fitting-out of a recording studio for the Music School of Jamaica; the collection of popular songs of the People's Republic of China; the organization of an experimental rostrum featuring films on traditional music and dance; the establishment of a music information centre for educational purposes; the launching of a music promotion service within the framework of the International Music Council; etc. The present study, drawn up by the International Institute for Audio- Visual Communication and Cultural Development-MEDIACULT- belongs to the range of projects indicated above. Work on the study was directed by Professor Kurt Blaukopf and combined contributions by many researchers to a theme that had also been the subject of an international seminar held in Vienna, in November 1979.
We are glad that the Fund has been able to contribute to the realization and distribution of the study which is sure to facilitate a more exact definition of the complex and often new problems posed by the widespread use of recording equipment in all contemporary societies.