Pick up a CD, if you haven't sold all of yours already. Ever wonder why the diameter is 4.7 inches? This was specified by Norio Ohga, who wanted to make sure that the entirety of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony—all 75 minutes worth—could fit on every standard disc. You probably don't know his name, but you've definitely heard most of your favorite bands because of him. He died this weekend in Tokyo at the age of 81.Ohga was president and chairman of Sony from 1982 to 1995, and is memorably credited with developing the compact disc. The success of the CD revolutionized the music industry, and turned the Japanese electronics manufacturer into a worldwide entertainment conglomerate.He was an aspiring opera singer in his youth, and that love of music is written all over the technology. He studied opera at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and the Berlin University of the Arts in the 50s. His career took a turn after Sony tapped him in the early 60s, but he continued to promote classical music throughout his career. He'd been the acting chairman of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra since 1999.With prophets of the digital age continually heralding the death of the CD, there's a palpable bittersweetness to Ohga's death. Sony's been lagging behind the larger purveyors of digital music in recent years, and this definitely feels like the nail in the coffin.Sure, CDs suck and everything, but there was something nice about tearing that impossible plastic wrap off of a jewel case, or that clicking sound as you sifted through racks in the store. I'm not sure if this makes me an old man or a young man, but my most formative experiences with pop music were formed through this particular medium.Thanks Ohga, I appreciate it.- Benjamin Shapiro / NoiseyConnections:
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