Theremin

Theremin

The theremin is an electronic musical instrument controlled without physical contact by the performer. It is named after its inventor, Léon Theremin, who patented the device in 1928. The instrument's controlling section usually consists of two metal antennas that sense the relative position of the thereminist's hands and control oscillators for frequency with one hand, and amplitude (volume) with the other. The electric signals from the theremin are amplified and sent to a loudspeaker.

History

The theremin was developed by Russian inventor Léon Theremin in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution of 1917. After a lengthy tour of Europe, during which time the inventor demonstrated his invention to packed houses, Theremin moved to the United States, where he patented his invention in 1928. Subsequently, the theremin gained a foothold in popular music, classical music, and film soundtracks.

Design and Function

The design of the theremin is based on the principle of heterodyning oscillators. One antenna controls the pitch of the sound, and the other controls the volume. The distance of the performer's hand to the pitch antenna determines the frequency of the oscillation, and thus the pitch of the sound, while the distance from the volume antenna controls the amplitude.

Playing Technique

Playing the theremin requires precise hand movements and good pitch control, as there are no physical guides or keys, like on a piano or violin. The player must rely on muscle memory and aural skills to find the correct pitch and volume. Advanced techniques involve precise control of vibrato, articulation, and dynamics.

Musical Genres

The theremin has been used in a wide range of musical genres, including classical music, where it has been used to emulate the human voice or string instruments, and in popular music, where it is valued for its distinctive sound. It has also been featured in numerous film scores, notably in science fiction and horror movies, where its eerie sound is often used to enhance the atmosphere.

Notable Players

Some of the most notable theremin players include Clara Rockmore, who is considered one of the greatest theremin virtuosos, Lydia Kavina, the grandniece of Léon Theremin and a prominent contemporary performer and teacher, and Robert Moog, who is better known for his work with synthesizers but began his career by building theremins.

Legacy and Influence

The theremin's unique method of play and distinctive sound have made it a subject of fascination and a symbol of electronic music innovation. It has influenced the development of other electronic musical instruments and technologies, including synthesizers. The theremin remains a popular instrument for hobbyists, and its design and playing technique continue to be subjects of study and experimentation.

See Also

• Electronic musical instrument
• Music technology
• Synthesizer
• Ondes Martenot