What’s a Theremin?
Leon Theremin demonstrates the Theremin
Have you ever heard of a Theremin? If you ever heard Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys or have watched sci-fi films from the 1950’s, you’ve certainly heard one (technically the Beach Boys used an Electro Theremin). The Theremin is considered the first electronic instrument and it has a fascinating history. Invented by Russian physicist Leon Theremin in 1919, the instrument is played without being touched by the performer. It is the only musical instrument that you don’t touch to make a sound - it has just two metal antennas which can sense the position of the player’s hands and control the pitch with one hand, and volume with the other.
I became intrigued by Theremin’s when I watched an incredible 1993 documentary about Leon Theremin called Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey. He came to the United States from Russia in 1928 after demonstrating his invention around Europe. He patented his invention in the US and then licensed it to RCA for them to produce. Although the instrument was a commercial flop, people would flock to see them performed in concert halls around the country. In 1938, Theremin suddenly left the US - many claim that he was abducted by the KGB and brought to work in a science lab in Siberia. He finally returned to the US in 1991, and died two years later in 1993.
The photo below shows the most famous thereminist (as theremin players are called) - Clara Rockmore. You will see that her left hand is placed above a circular antenna. That is the control for the volume. If she were to place her hand on the antenna, the sound would stop. The further her hand moves vertically away from the antenna, the louder the sound gets. Clara’s right hand is controlling the pitch by moving horizontally closer and farther from the vertical antenna. The closer her hand gets to the antenna, the higher the pitch - and vice versa.
Clara Rockmore plays the Theremin
While it is very easy to make a sound with the Theremin, playing it well is quite difficult. Playing a simple melody can be VERY challenging. You won’t actually hear the note you are playing until it is playing, so if your pitch isn’t correct you have to make quick adjustments. I have tried to play Mary Had a Little Lamb numerous times without making a mistake, and I have yet to do it. Thereminists are basically playing the air. Because there is no fretboard or keys or anything to judge where the pitches are along the horizontal access it takes a LOT of practice.
Clara Rockmore was a Theremin prodigy and gave concerts all around the world until her death in 1998. She released an amazing album in 1977 called The Art of the Theremin, produced by Robert Moog - famed synthesizer inventor. Today, Moog manufactures their version of the Theremin - called the Etherwave, and I am a proud owner of one.
Moog Etherwave
In my experience, students are absolutely fascinated by this instrument. Here are some resources that will help you teach students about this incredible instrument - a piece of music technology history.
Resources