What is the theremin and how is it unique among musical instruments?

The theremin is an electronic musical instrument invented by Leon Theremin, patented in 1928. Its unique characteristic is that it is played without any physical contact from the performer, who controls pitch and volume by moving their hands in the proximity of two metal antennas.

What are the primary components of a theremin's controlling section, and what do they do?

The theremin's controlling section typically features two metal antennas. These antennas function as position sensors, not for radio transmission. One antenna controls the pitch (frequency) and the other controls the volume (amplitude) based on the proximity of the performer's hands.

How does the theremin generate its sound and control its pitch?

The theremin uses the heterodyne principle with two radio frequency oscillators. One oscillator has a fixed frequency, while the other's frequency is altered by the performer's hand near the pitch antenna. The difference between these two frequencies creates the audible tone, and moving the hand closer to the pitch antenna raises the note.

What is the role of the second antenna on a theremin?

The second antenna, typically controlled by the performer's other hand, regulates the amplitude, or volume, of the sound. Moving the hand away from this antenna increases the volume, while moving closer decreases it.

What is the typical association with the sound of the theremin?

The sound of the theremin is often associated with eerie situations and has been frequently used in movie soundtracks to evoke such feelings.

Which film scores prominently featured the theremin, and who composed them?

The theremin was notably used in Miklós Rózsa's scores for 'Spellbound' and 'The Lost Weekend,' and Bernard Herrmann's score for 'The Day the Earth Stood Still.' More recently, it was featured in Justin Hurwitz's score for 'First Man.'

In what television theme songs has the theremin been used?

The theremin has been used in theme songs for television shows such as the ITV drama 'Midsomer Murders' and the Disney+ series 'Loki,' with the latter's score composed by Natalie Holt.

What was the theremin's origin in the Soviet Union?

The theremin originated from Soviet government-sponsored research into proximity sensors.

What happened after Leon Theremin patented his invention in the United States?

After patenting his invention, Leon Theremin granted commercial production rights to RCA.

Why was the RCA Thereminvox not a commercial success despite initial fascination?

The RCA Thereminvox, released shortly after the 1929 stock market crash, was not a commercial success, likely due to the economic downturn, although it did capture the public's imagination.

Who was Clara Rockmore, and what was her contribution to the theremin?

Clara Rockmore was a renowned thereminist who toured the United States, performing classical music. She also offered insights into performance technique, noting that thereminists must 'play the rests, as well as the notes.'

What are the circumstances surrounding Leon Theremin's departure from the United States in 1938?

The circumstances are disputed; some accounts claim he was abducted by NKVD agents and taken back to the Soviet Union, while others suggest he fled debts and was caught in political purges. He did not return to the US until 1991.

How did Robert Moog become involved with the theremin?

Robert Moog, a future synthesizer pioneer, began building and selling theremins and kits as a high school student in the 1950s, which he credited as a foundational experience for his later work.

What impact did the film 'Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey' have on the instrument?

Released in 1993, the film 'Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey' is credited with sparking a resurgence of interest in the theremin, leading to its wider use by contemporary musicians.

What is the Open Theremin project?

The Open Theremin is an open-hardware and open-software project developed by Urz Gaudenz, which utilizes the original heterodyne oscillator architecture and can be expanded with a MIDI interface.

How does the theremin's operation make it accessible for people with disabilities?

The theremin's method of playing without physical contact is praised for providing an accessible way for individuals with disabilities to engage in music-making.

What is the Hornbostel-Sachs classification for the theremin?

The theremin is classified under the Hornbostel-Sachs system as 531.1, categorizing it as an electrophone.

What is the original name given to the theremin?

The theremin was originally known by several names, including the ætherphone, etherphone, thereminophone, and termenvox or thereminvox.

What is the function of the pitch control antenna on a theremin?

The pitch control antenna, typically the vertical one, acts as part of a capacitor. The performer's hand, acting as the other half of the capacitor, changes the capacitance by its distance from the antenna, which in turn alters the frequency of an oscillator to control the pitch.

How does the volume control antenna function?

The volume control antenna, usually the loop antenna, also acts as part of a capacitor. The distance of the performer's hand from this antenna changes the capacitance, affecting an oscillator circuit to control the sound's amplitude or volume.

What is the purpose of the heterodyne principle in a theremin's design?

The heterodyne principle is used to generate the audio signal by mixing the frequencies of two radio frequency oscillators. This allows for precise control over the resulting audio frequency.

How can a near-linear pitch field be achieved on a theremin?

A near-linear region of pitch control can be created through careful tuning and circuit design, such as wiring the antenna in series with an inductor. This compensates for the non-linear relationship between capacitance change and distance, allowing for more predictable pitch changes over several octaves.

What is the significance of the 'pecking' action in theremin performance technique?

The 'pecking' action, a quick mute with the volume hand, is crucial for producing distinct notes. It silences the instrument momentarily, allowing the pitch hand to move to a new position without creating a continuous glissando.

How do some thereminists achieve fast note transitions?

Thereminists like Carolina Eyck use a technique where they maintain a fixed arm position for each octave and use specific finger positions within that octave to produce notes, enabling very rapid transitions between adjacent pitches.

What is the 'walking bass' technique associated with the theremin?

The 'walking bass' technique is a method developed by thereminists like Pamelia Kurstin to create rhythmic, bass-like lines using the theremin's volume control, adding a new dimension to its performance capabilities.

What was the first orchestral composition written for the theremin?

The first orchestral composition written for the theremin was 'Symphonic Mystery' by Andrei Pashchenko, which premiered in 1924.

Which composers have written concert music featuring the theremin?

Composers such as Bohuslav Martinů, Percy Grainger, Christian Wolff, Joseph Schillinger, Moritz Eggert, Iraida Yusupova, Jorge Antunes, Vladimir Komarov, Anis Fuleihan, Fazıl Say, Edgard Varèse, and Frank Zappa have written works that include the theremin.

Why did Percy Grainger favor theremins for his 'Free Music' compositions?

Percy Grainger chose ensembles of theremins for his 'Free Music' compositions due to the instrument's complete freedom of pitch gliding, which he found ideal for his experimental approach.

Which rock band was the first to perform live with a theremin?

Lothar and the Hand People is cited as the first rock band known to perform live with a theremin, beginning in November 1965.

What is the connection between The Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations' and the theremin?

Although 'Good Vibrations' is often associated with the theremin, it actually features a similar-sounding instrument called an Electro-Theremin, invented by Paul Tanner. The song's popularity nonetheless spurred renewed interest in theremins and analog synthesizers.

How did Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin utilize a theremin?

Jimmy Page used a variation of the theremin, typically with only the pitch antenna, during live performances of songs like 'Whole Lotta Love' and 'No Quarter.' He also featured it in an extended solo and the soundtrack for 'Death Wish II.'

Which Rolling Stones members used the theremin on their 1967 albums?

Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones used the theremin on the albums 'Between the Buttons' and 'Their Satanic Majesties Request.'

What is the 'Matryomin'?

The Matryomin is a portmanteau of 'matryoshka' and 'theremin,' created by inventor Masami Takeuchi. It is a single-antenna theremin-type device housed within a matryoshka doll.

What was the 'First Theremin Concert for Extraterrestrials'?

It was the world's first musical METI (Messaging to Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) broadcast, transmitted from the Evpatoria deep-space communications complex in Crimea in 2001, sending seven melodies played on the theremin.

How does the Ondes Martenot differ from the theremin?

The Ondes Martenot, developed in 1928, also uses heterodyning oscillators but is played by touch, featuring a keyboard and a slide controller, unlike the theremin's touchless operation.

What is the 'terpsitone' invented by Leon Theremin?

The terpsitone was an instrument invented by Leon Theremin that consisted of a platform with space-controlling antennas. A dancer would move through and around these antennas to control the musical performance, though it was reportedly very difficult to play.

What are Audiocubes, and how do they relate to the theremin?

Audiocubes are smart blocks with sensors that measure the distance to hands, functioning as optical theremins. They can be used to control effects or sounds, similar to how a theremin operates.

What is a 'singing Tesla coil'?

A singing Tesla coil is a device that produces musical tones by modulating the output of a Tesla coil, effectively using electrical arcs to create sound, similar in concept to how some electronic instruments generate tones.

What is the 'Chimaera'?

The Chimaera is described as a digital offspring of a theremin and a touchless ribbon controller. It uses Hall-effect sensors and moving magnets on fingers to create an interactive sound space.

Which film composer pioneered the use of the theremin in Hollywood scores?

Miklós Rózsa is credited as the composer who pioneered the use of the theremin in Hollywood film scores, notably in 'Spellbound,' 'The Red House,' and 'The Lost Weekend.'

What is the significance of the 'pecking' action in theremin performance?

The 'pecking' action, performed with the volume hand, is essential for creating distinct musical notes. It momentarily silences the instrument, allowing the pitch hand to move cleanly between notes without producing a continuous glissando.

What did Albert Glinsky suggest about Leon Theremin's departure from the US?

Albert Glinsky, in his biography of Leon Theremin, suggested that Theremin might have fled the US to escape debts and was subsequently caught up in Stalin's political purges, rather than being forcibly taken by the NKVD.

What is the 'Electro-Theremin'?

The Electro-Theremin is an instrument invented by Paul Tanner that produces a sound similar to the theremin but is played by touch, using a finger ring to control pitch and a slider for volume.

How did Robert Moog's early work with theremins influence his later inventions?

Robert Moog credited his experience building and selling theremins and kits in the 1950s as directly leading to his development of the groundbreaking Moog synthesizer.

What is the 'Theremin in the Press' article about?

The article 'Theremin in the Press: Instrument remediation and code-instrument transduction' discusses how the theremin has been represented in the media and how its principles have been adapted into digital contexts.

What is the 'Method for Theremin' book?

The 'Method for Theremin' is a book authored by Clara Rockmore, edited by David Miller and Jeffrey McFarland-Johnson, which provides instruction on playing the theremin.

What is the 'Open Theremin' project's approach to sound generation?

The Open Theremin project utilizes the original heterodyne oscillator architecture to achieve a good playing experience, ensuring a sound quality reminiscent of early theremins.

What is the 'Katica Illényi's' connection to the theremin?

Katica Illényi is a contemporary theremin player mentioned as a notable performer, particularly in classical music contexts, and is associated with projects like the Vivaldi Metal Project.

What is the 'Lothars' known for in popular music?

The Lothars, a Boston-area band, are noted for being pioneers in pop music by featuring as many as four theremins played simultaneously.

What is the 'Theremin Vox' and its historical context?

The 'Theremin Vox' was the name given to the theremin produced by RCA. Its release coincided with the Wall Street crash of 1929, impacting its commercial success.

Theremin Wiki: The Ethereal Wave: A Theremin Compendium

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

What is a Theremin?

A Unique Instrument

The theremin is an early electronic musical instrument renowned for being played without any physical touch. Its performer, known as a thereminist, manipulates the electromagnetic fields surrounding two antennas to control pitch and volume.

Invention and Origins

Invented in 1920 by Russian physicist Lev Sergeyevich Termen (known in the West as Leon Theremin), the instrument emerged from research into proximity sensors. Theremin patented his device in 1928, later granting production rights to RCA.

The Sound

Often described as eerie or otherworldly, the theremin's distinctive sound is produced by controlling radio frequency oscillators. Its continuous pitch and expressive capabilities have made it a staple in film scores and avant-garde music.

A Journey Through Time

Early Days and Acclaim

Following its invention, the theremin toured Europe and gained significant attention. Leon Theremin brought it to the United States, where RCA began production. Virtuosos like Clara Rockmore captivated audiences with classical performances, often sharing stages with notable figures like Paul Robeson.

Decline and Resurgence

Despite initial fascination, the theremin's commercial success waned after the 1929 stock market crash and the introduction of newer, easier-to-play electronic instruments post-WWII. However, a dedicated community of enthusiasts and hobbyists kept the instrument alive.

The theremin experienced a notable resurgence following the release of the documentary Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey in 1993. This renewed interest brought the instrument to wider attention, inspiring contemporary musicians and leading to new compositions and performances.

The Inventor's Fate

Leon Theremin's own story is as fascinating as his invention. In 1938, he reportedly returned to the Soviet Union under mysterious circumstances, possibly related to escaping debts or political pressures, and was involved in secret research before reappearing decades later.

How it Works

Capacitive Sensing

The theremin utilizes two antennas that act as capacitors. The performer's hands, acting as the other capacitor plate, alter the electromagnetic field. The proximity to the vertical antenna controls pitch, while the loop antenna controls volume.

Heterodyne Oscillators

Internally, the theremin employs two radio frequency oscillators. One maintains a fixed frequency, while the other's frequency varies based on hand proximity to the pitch antenna. The difference between these frequencies produces the audible tone.

Pitch: Moving a hand closer to the pitch antenna increases its capacitance, raising the oscillator's frequency, resulting in a higher note. The relationship is non-linear, though designs aim for linearity over key ranges.

Volume: Similarly, the other hand interacts with the volume antenna. Moving the hand away typically lowers the volume, often by affecting the oscillator's plate current or resonant frequency.

Timbre and Wave Shaping

The raw audio signal generated is then processed to shape its timbre. Theremins often incorporate filters and transformers to create a rich, complex sound, distinct from a pure sine wave, contributing to its characteristic expressive quality.

Mastering the Ethereal

Body Control

Playing the theremin requires precise control over hand movements and body positioning relative to the antennas. Unlike touched instruments, silence must be actively created by manipulating the volume antenna, often with a quick hand motion.

Articulation Techniques

Thereminists develop unique techniques for articulation and expression. Subtle hand movements can create vibrato, while a deliberate "pecking" motion with the volume hand allows for distinct notes rather than continuous glissandi.

Some players, like Carolina Eyck, utilize fixed arm positions for octaves and precise finger placements for notes within an octave, enabling rapid transitions. Pamelia Kurstin pioneered techniques like "walking bass" using the volume control.

Expressive Potential

The theremin's ability to produce continuous pitch and volume modulation offers a unique expressive range, often compared to the human voice or string instruments. Its "gliding" freedom was particularly admired by composers like Percy Grainger.

Applications and Influence

Concert and Classical Music

While initially finding favour in classical circles with performers like Clara Rockmore, the theremin has been embraced by contemporary composers. Works by Bohuslav Martinů, Kalevi Aho, and others showcase its potential in orchestral and chamber settings.

Popular and Film Music

The theremin's signature sound became iconic in film scores, notably in works by Miklós Rózsa and Bernard Herrmann, evoking suspense and the otherworldly. In popular music, bands like The Beach Boys (using an Electro-Theremin), Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones incorporated its distinctive tone.

Television and Games

The instrument has appeared in television themes (e.g., Midsomer Murders, Loki) and commercials. Its unique sound has also been referenced or simulated in video game soundtracks, demonstrating its enduring cultural presence.

Related Instruments

Ondes Martenot

Developed in 1928, the Ondes Martenot shares the theremin's use of heterodyne oscillators but adds a keyboard and a ring controller for pitch, offering different expressive possibilities.

Other Theremin Variants

Various other instruments have drawn inspiration from the theremin, including the Terpsitone (controlled by dance), the Croix Sonore (developed by Nicolas Obouchov), and modern digital interpretations like Audiocubes and the Open Theremin project.

Further Exploration

Online Resources

Pamelia Kurstin on Ted.com
Theremin Times
ThereminVox.com
Thereminworld.com
TECI: Theremin Enthusiasts Club International
Theremin Family Archives
Theremin Argentina
The Theremin (Sixty Symbols)
Theremin Media (Wikimedia Commons)

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Theremin" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about theremin while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

tiberius claudius narcissus

1994 european parliament election in italy

variscan orogeny

marais des cygnes river

national revolutionary army

english literature

the elementary forms of the religious life

equinox group

coordinated universal time

beirut band

References

Glinsky 2000, p. 26.

US1661058

Tell Me More, BBC, h2g2 project, Undated.Accessed:05-20-2008.

How to play a scale on the theremin | Carolina talks Theremin

"Kalevi Aho: 'Eight Seasons' â Concerto for Theremin and Chamber Orchestra (2011)", carolinaeyck.com

Steve Leggett. Pamela Kurstin at AllMusic

Lydia Kavina Biography at AllMusic

Music out of the Moon, Harry Revel, conducted by Les Baxter, Capitol Records Nr. T390, released 1947

[1]

Taubman demonstrates his Electronde. Stills and a downloadable video at British Pathe news archive. 1938-12-12.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Theremin Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided is not a substitute for expert consultation regarding electronic music technology, instrument repair, or performance techniques. Always consult official documentation and qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Ethereal Wave

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is a Theremin? ❓

✨ A Unique Instrument

💡 Invention and Origins

🔊 The Sound

A Journey Through Time ⏳

🚀 Early Days and Acclaim

📉 Decline and Resurgence

👨‍🔬 The Inventor's Fate

How it Works ⚙️

📡 Capacitive Sensing

🎛️ Heterodyne Oscillators

🎶 Timbre and Wave Shaping

Mastering the Ethereal 🖐️

🧘 Body Control

〰️ Articulation Techniques

🎻 Expressive Potential

Applications and Influence 🎬

🏛️ Concert and Classical Music

🎸 Popular and Film Music

📺 Television and Games

Related Instruments 🔗

🇫🇷 Ondes Martenot

💡 Other Theremin Variants

Further Exploration 🌐

💻 Online Resources

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Theremin?

A Unique Instrument

Invention and Origins

The Sound

A Journey Through Time

Early Days and Acclaim

Decline and Resurgence

The Inventor's Fate

How it Works

Capacitive Sensing

Heterodyne Oscillators

Timbre and Wave Shaping

Mastering the Ethereal

Body Control

Articulation Techniques

Expressive Potential

Applications and Influence

Concert and Classical Music

Popular and Film Music

Television and Games

Related Instruments

Ondes Martenot

Other Theremin Variants

Further Exploration

Online Resources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice