You know that sound ThereminThe Theremin is that strange, trembling sound that heralds mystery, danger and otherworldly portents in many classic science fiction movies. Not only was the Theremin the first electronic musical instrument, it also holds the distinction of being the only instrument in history that can be played without touching it. The Theremin player moves his hands like an invisible choir conductor and the instrument sings. As the instrument’s inventor, you can see this for yourself in the picture above. Leon Thereminshows off what he then named the Theremin box in 1954. Speaking in Russian with English subtitles, Theremin explains how the “voice-like instrument” works “by influencing electromagnetic fields.”
Theremin invented the instrument in 1919 and named it the Etherphone. He presented it to Vladimir Lenin in 1922, and its futuristic sound and design made a great impression on the ailing Communist leader. Theremin later brought the instrument to Europe ( Click here for a demo of silent newsreels) In 1927, he traveled to the United States, made his debut at the Plaza Hotel, and became a classical violinist. Clara RockmoreIt was here that the man who would later become one of the Theremin’s most ardent advocates and performers first heard the instrument.
While many considered the Theremin’s invention a novelty, Rockmore insisted that it be taken seriously. She became Theremin’s protégé, mastered the instrument, and recorded arrangements of many classical pieces, such as Tchaikovsky’s “Lullaby.” Rockmore, more than anyone else, made the Theremin sing as its inventor intended.
The theremin’s origin story, like many other invention stories, arose from a happy accident in a laboratory. Author Albert Glinski, pictured above, writes: Theremin: Ethereal Music and Espionagedescribes how Theremin accidentally created his new instrument while working on a technique to measure the density of gases with sound in a chemistry lab. The first version of the instrument had a foot pedal, but Theremin wisely decided that it was much more interesting to put his hands in the air, and manipulate sound out of thin air. There are no frets, strings, or keys, and there is no physical means of changing the pitch of the Theremin, such as a bow or slide, but it still requires practice and precision to operate, just like any other instrument. If you want to learn the basics, check out the tutorial below by Thereminist Lydia Kabina, who plays the “Theamini” designed by synthesizer pioneer Moog.
Theremin was on the cutting edge of scientific and musical innovation at the time, and he hoped his instrument would be incorporated into the world of dance. While working with the American Ballet Company in the 1930s, the inventor fell in love with and married a young African-American dancer named Lavinia Williams. He was subsequently ostracized from high society and abruptly left the US for the Soviet Union in 1938, or, as Lavinia claims, was kidnapped and taken from his studio. Either way, Theremin was imprisoned in a laboratory in a concentration camp known as the “gulag.” SharaskaHe designed eavesdropping devices for the Soviet Union, later worked for the KGB, and became a professor of physics at Moscow State University.
Theremin never gave up on electronic instruments, inventing variations on the electronic cello and theremin during his 10-year stint at the Moscow Conservatory. He gave his final theremin performance when he died in 1993 at age 97. (Pictured above is Theremin playing with his third wife, Natalia, in 1987.) To learn more about the inventor’s fascinating life, check out Steven M. Martin’s 1993 documentary. Theremin: An Electronic Journey.
And if you’re interested, Buy a Moog Theremin.
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Leon Theremin promotes the first commercially produced revolutionary electronic musical instrument (1930)
Josh Jones A writer and musician based in Durham, North Carolina. Follow
