Nancy's Musical Meanderings

The Invisible Keyboard

A thereminist would look at my drawing and tell me that it is not correct. Usually one antenna is a horizontal loop. I saw this instrument demonstrated when I was in college. I remember it as having two vertical rods, so I drew it that way. (I couldn't draw a horizontal loop that looked right anyway.) Now, exactly what is it?

The theremin was the original electronic instrument, the "granddaddy" of the modern synthesizer. It was created in 1919 by Leon Theremin, a Russian inventor.

Here is an explanation that was provided to me by a theremin enthusiast:
"The antennas on a Theremin don't actually emit sound waves. The sound you hear from a Theremin comes from a speaker, just like any other electronic sound would have to. The output from a Theremin goes to an amplifier, which then sends the sound to the speaker. The antennas are connected to an electronic circuit inside the Theremin. The vertical antenna is connected to part of the circuit called an oscillator, and that is what actually makes the tone that you hear. As your hand gets near the antenna, it changes the electronic tuning of the oscillator, and changes its pitch. The other antenna is connected to a part of the circuit that controls the volume, and as your hand gets near it, it affects that circuit to reduce the volume of the oscillator output. These circuits are designed to be sensitive to stray capacitance, and the antenna picks up the capacitance changes from your body as you position your hands near them."
Thanks, Jeff!

I have provided links to Web sites you can visit to get more electronic details if you want them.

The sound of a theremin reminds me of a musical saw. It can be very eerie. The instrument has been used in the background music of horror movies and science fiction. I have heard one or two samples of beautiful music produced by the theremin. I have also heard awful, off-key sounds and total cacophony!

The theremin has to be difficult to play well. In order not to interfere with the tones, a performer's body must remain very still. Finding the correct pitch would be very similar to singing or playing a violin. The performer must have a good ear because, when he is waving his hands around in the air, he has no other points of reference.

As I write this, an idea is forming in the back of my mind. Hmmm. My brother is an electronics expert and one my sons is a computer technician. Maybe I can talk one of them into building a theremin for me. If my quest is successful, I'll let you know.

I've had a little trouble finding background music for this page. For the time being, I'm using the theme from Star Trek. Since I found this MIDI file all over the Internet, I assume that it is public domain.

I purchased a CD featuring classical music performed on the theremin by Clara Rockwell. The album title is "The Art of the Theremin". It can be found on the Internet at CD Now. The music is hauntingly beautiful. It sends chills down my spine.

Links

Index of the Theremin Web Ring- Start here. There are sites with pictures, sound samples and technical information.

Light and shadows of a Great Life - This is a fascinating article about Leon Theremin.

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