Theremin zeal.

I absolutely had to devote a post to my favorite instrument: Thereminvox. Invented in 1919 by the Russian Lev Sergeïevitch Termen (known as Léon Theremin), it is one of the oldest electronic musical instrument.
Its idiosyncrasy is to create music without any contact between the player and the instrument.


Usually consisting of two metal antennas (sometimes one), the sound is emitted with the movements of the player's hands, controling oscillators for frequency with one hand and amplitude with the other. It produces divine sounds, like a coalesce of creepy violin melodies, spectral vocals, sinister canto, nebulous ambience.. leading it to inspired movie soundtracks, soundscapes in old science fiction, avant-garde contemporary experimental musics, and plenty of electro/pop/rock bands.. such as Dionysos (Monster in love album), Nine Inch Nails (Sin, Just like you imagined), Portishead (Mysterons, Dummy, Humming), Pixies (Velouria), Radiohead, et cetera...


Humming - Portishead.




One of my greatest inspiration is Randy George, a praiseworthy thereminist from Dallas, Texas. (http://randygeorgemusic.com/)
After a Dream - Randy George.

The theremin has several similar instruments, such as Ondes-Martenot, Croix Sonore, Electronde...


Many museums have theremins available that curious visitors can play (e.g. Music Museum of Stockholm, American Museum of Radio and Electricity, Exploratorium in San Francisco..)


For more informations, refer to http://www.thereminworld.com/