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the theremin a brief history the end
the 
the theremin: a mysterious lecturn-like box with two antennas protruding from the sides. when one antenna is approached with one's hand or other appendage the pitch increases. when the other is approached, the volume decreases. when played properly, the theremin can produce sounds ranging from violin-like, to flute-like, to operatic singing. one of the most interesting things about the instrument is that one never actually touches the unit to change pitch or volume. also, there is no way of knowing what note you are on except by your own ear.
click here for a picture of big briar's etherwave theremin.
the theremin was invented in the late twenties by a scientist, and trained cellist, named lev terman (anglicanized to leon theremin) quite by accident. he one day realized that the device he was working on would emit a whistling noise as he approached it. he began to refine the device until he could pick out a tune on it. In 1919 he demonstrated his invention to a group of physicists and other scientists under the name of the aetherphon. later, he renamed it the thereminvox which was again shortened to the now excepted name: the theremin.
theremin soon went on tour with his new instrument. he toured most of europe and america. when he reached paris, the paris opera house immediately sold out and police were called in to restrain the crowds. when in new york, he met a russian violinist named clara rockmore. she was fascinated by his instrument and became theremin's pupil. ms. rockmore is considered by many the only person ever to become a true virtuoso of the theremin.
none of this is to say the theremin is an antiquated instrument. many modern bands use the instrument currently. i.e. phish, the pixies, marilyn manson and many, many more. a very comprehensive list can be found on jason barile's theremin site. its a good site. unfortunately he is to busy to update often. please dont flame him about it, flaming is bad. anyhoo, back to the point, the theremin is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. in the summer of 1997 the first international theremin festival was held in portland maine. quite a success. the internet is a great place to see the organized intrest in the instrument. TECI's (theremin enthusiast's club international)site is a great place to start. also, popular amongst theremidians, is levnet, the theremin related mailing list. to join mail a message tolistproc@korrnet.org with no subject and "SUBSCRIBE LEVNET JOHN DOE." it's that easy.
my speculations on playing the instrument. the typical theremin links page a few theremin related pictures my story about meeting the instrument
contact me a corn_giant@geocities.com
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--updated 3 . 14 . 98--
