We are rapidly near the end of this course in the history of classical music

电子乐器与传统乐器的关系
    We are rapidly near the end of this course in the history of classical music. We have covered several (36) centuries in a very short time. Much too short to do the music (37) justice, of course, but then this is just a survey course. From now until the end of the term, we’ll be talking about and listening to (38) electronic music. You probably already know it was in the (39) 1950’s that musical computers and synthesizers first appeared in universities. The first commercial synthesizers were (40) sold about this time too. The (41) sophistication and complexity of these instruments has now (42) increased to the point they can (43) produce almost any kind of sound.
   (44) Some alarmists believe these new instruments will bring an end to classical music or that they’ Ye already have. You know, I don’t share this view, but I do agree we are in the midst of a revolution in instrument design. (45) This, however, is not the first such revolution in musical history and probably not the last one either. Remember we’ve already studied a similar case in the early nineteenth century when the piano replaced the harpsichord and modern brass and wind instruments came into being. One of the most important reasons for the great popularity of electronic instruments is of course their relatively cheap price, Well, just look at it. Only about 400 dollars for an electronic keyboard compared to nearly 3,000 dollars for a piano. Naturally, this has done a lot to increase sales of electronic instruments. (46) But I don’ t think even the most ardent supporters of electronic instruments expect them to completely replace acoustic instruments.