The HISTORY of the THEREMIN!
LEON THEREMIN
The Discovery
Around 1919, Soviet-Russian physicist Leon Theremin was tinkering with a device that featured an antenna measuring gases in the air.
Leon had the genius idea to add an audio oscillator to the circuitry. When he put his hand near the antenna; the device made a wailing call.
Moving to America
The theremin was patented in the United States in 1928. Leon then moved to New York City where he would set up his theremin studio on 37th West 54th Street.
During his time in the States, Leon met very gifted virtuoso violinist Clara Rockmore. Clara developed arthritis in her bow hand which limited her ability to perform violin.
A Star Was Born
Leon introduced Clara Rockmore to his invention; where she became the first virtuoso for the instrument. Recording five amazing albums in her life time!
Clara Rockmore inspires thereminists today as her instructional work booklet “Theremin Method” guides players from the source.
For the full digital .PDF of Clara Rockmore’s theremin guide; you can download it from the museum’s archive drive here.
European Thereminvox Demo: Leon Theremin showcasing his instrument in Paris, France. (circa. 1927)
Those super tall almost diamond shaped structures behind Leon Theremin are unique loud speakers from the RCA company!
Clara Rockmore; famous for being the WORLD's FIRST theremin virtuosa!
She developed her technique keeping a very calm “in the zone” type focus.
Leon Theremin & Clara Rockmore
Taken on Clara's 18th Birthday (circa. 1929)
HOW IT WORKS!
The Theremin: Explained
The theremin traditionally features two metal antennas usually attached to a “box” that holds the electronics. One vertical antenna controlling pitch and another loop-shaped antenna controlling volume.
(Another common theremin setup uses only a pitch antenna. Ex. Stylophone Theremins)
Most theremins emit electromagnetic fields. (there are also light-sensitive versions) Anything conductive like metal or “human hands” will interrupt the fields allowing the performer to manipulate freely.
The pitch antenna is tall and vertical. It’s the really most sensitive antenna to nearby objects and entities. It ranges strongly from the sides of the antenna.
The closer you are to the pitch antenna the higher the pitch. The farther away you are the lower the pitch.
Think about it as a giant ball from the top to the bottom of the antenna — expanding energy outwards. If your friend or a stage hand walks close enough to your pitch antenna, they will likely interfere with your performance and impact your pitch stability.
With the volume loop — the electromagnetic fields project more vertically up and down from the horizontal loop.
The closer you are to the volume antenna the theremin gets quieter. The farther away you are the louder the sound.
There is lessened interference from the side of the volume antenna. Placing your band or dancers 4-5 ft from your volume antenna side can be smarter vs the pitch antenna due the loop’s less risky electromagnetic projection.
For some theremins; interference from stage LEDs, power supplies and speaker magnets can negatively create friction with the theremin’s electromagnetic fields.
Another common problem is bad electrical grounding; especially at a venue or space. Incorrect or no electrical grounding can make theremins “freak out” or go haywire.
A good point of advice is to provide the sound guy a stage plot with what you need — like how many feet of open space you need, power outlets, etc. so you can setup easy and prepared!
