View Full Version : Theremin - An Electronic Odyssey


ChrisW
02-14-2005, 08:56 AM
Borrowed this DVD from a friend - It's about the life of Leon Theremin, inventor of the only musical instrument you play without actually touching. I was most familiar with it's use in movie scores, providing the eerie wavering tones that indicate a supernatural, super scientific or super-evil presence. As it turns out, Theremin's life was no less interesting! Living in New York in 1938, the KGB was able to spirit him back to the U.S.S.R., where he effectively "disappeared" for many years. The film's producer, Steven M. Martin located him in 1991 and brought him back to the U.S. for acknowledgement of his accomplishments, and to reunite him with some of his associates from the 1930s.
The documentary is fascinating, funny, touching - and highly recommended. It's available from Amazon.

For a taste of theremin music past and present, check out www.thereminworld.com (http://www.thereminworld.com/) and go to the audio samples section. From "Grim Grinning Ghosts" to Avant Gard, classical to tiki cocktail lounge mood music, it's all there!

Trek Ace
02-14-2005, 12:32 PM
Fascinating stuff, Chris!

There was also a nice segment on the Ed Wood DVD about the theremin.

Ignatz
02-14-2005, 12:48 PM
Bob Moog still sells these things. The company was called Big Briar, but I see from a google search that they've pulled it all in under the Moogmusic banner. Check out the etherwave! http://www.moogmusic.com/

You could buy a theremin kit and start making your own freaky sci-fi sounds!

Thanks for posting this. Theremin music is great!

ChrisW
02-14-2005, 03:33 PM
Bob Moog still sells these things. The company was called Big Briar, but I see from a google search that they've pulled it all in under the Moogmusic banner. Check out the etherwave! http://www.moogmusic.com/

You could buy a theremin kit and start making your own freaky sci-fi sounds!

Thanks for posting this. Theremin music is great!

Now THAT'd be a cool thing to take to Wonderfest! If I built the kit - could I enter it in the contest?

beck
02-15-2005, 04:22 PM
there's one out at the Mid America Museum here in Hot Springs ( one of those hands on science museums ) that they let ya play with . talk about fun !!!
seems my favorite movies were always heavily laden with theramin music .
hb

gruffydd
02-15-2005, 05:18 PM
The Day the Earth Stood Still?

beck
02-16-2005, 10:42 AM
yes !! The Day the Earth Stood Still and It Came From Outer Space too .
hb

flyingfrets
02-17-2005, 10:18 PM
Let's not forget the Zeppelin classic "Whole Lotta Love!"