The Theremin – Making Mysterious Music
The theremin is an electronic instrument that was developed by
Russian physicist, Leon Theremin, as part of a research project sponsored by
the Russian government to test proximity sensors.
Unlike other instruments, the musician does not actually touch the instrument to play notes. Instead, two metal antennas sense the proximity of the hands to make the sound. One hand controls frequency and the other hand controls amplitude to create an eerie musical sound.
Unlike other instruments, the musician does not actually touch the instrument to play notes. Instead, two metal antennas sense the proximity of the hands to make the sound. One hand controls frequency and the other hand controls amplitude to create an eerie musical sound.
Because of the unique sound, the theremin has been used in
popular music, in film and television soundtracks, and in video games. You
might recognize the sound in the 1967 Rolling Stones album, Between the Buttons.
My favorite use of the theramin is in the soundtrack for the popular BBC
Midsomer Mysteries series. Aside from the fact that I simply love the series,
the theremin is used to great effect to set the mysterious tone of the show.
Check out this fascinating instrument. The use of the theremin isn't restricted to popular culture, however. Concert composers such as Percy Grainger, Christian Wolff, Kalevi Aho, and more have written concerts for the theremin.
The theremin
Check out this fascinating instrument. The use of the theremin isn't restricted to popular culture, however. Concert composers such as Percy Grainger, Christian Wolff, Kalevi Aho, and more have written concerts for the theremin.
The theremin
