Theremin

Theremin: Electronic Musical Instrument

The theremin is an electronic musical instrument controlled without physical contact by the performer. Pitch and volume are varied based on hand position, producing a unique wavering sound.

What is Theremin?

The theremin is a unique electronic musical instrument, invented in 1920 by Russian physicist Léon Theremin. It is an early electronic instrument that is played without touching it. The musician stands in front of the theremin and moves their hands in the air around two antennas to control pitch and volume.

One antenna controls pitch - as the performer moves their hand closer to it, the pitch gets higher. The other antenna controls volume - moving the hand closer makes the music louder. The sound produced is an eerie, wavering electronic tone that can be both beautiful and unsettling. Skilled theremin players can create expressive musical phrases by precisely controlling the motions of their hands.

The theremin was used to create spooky sound effects in many old science fiction and horror movies. Today, it remains a novelty instrument that is mainly used by electronic and experimental music performers because of its unusual playing method. Theremins are difficult to master, as there are no keys, strings or pads to guide the hands. The musician relies completely on their sense of space and pitch to play melodies on the instrument.

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