Theremin

The theremin or thereminvox (originally pronounced {{IPA|}} but often anglicized as {{IPA|}} http://www.thereminworld.com/faq.asp) is one of the earliest fully electronic musical instruments. Invented in 1919 by Russian Lev Sergeivitch Termen (also Termin, later gallicized to Léon Theremin), the theremin is unique in that it requires no physical contact in order to produce music and was, in fact, the first musical instrument designed to be played without being touched. The instrument consists of a box with two projecting radio antennas around which the user moves his or her hands to play.

Overview

To control the theremin, the musician stands in front of the instrument and moves his or her hands in the proximity of two metal antennae, the distance from the antennae determining frequency (pitch) and amplitude (volume). Small movements of the hands can create a tremolo or vibrato effect. Typically the right hand controls the pitch and the left hand is used for the volume although some left-handed thereminists exist.

Related Topics:
Frequency - Amplitude - Tremolo - Vibrato - Right hand - Left-handed

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Based on the principle of heterodyning oscillators, the theremin generates an audio signal by combining two different but very high frequency radio signals. The capacitance of the human body close to the antennas causes pitch changes in the audio signal, in much the same way that a person moving about a room can affect television or radio reception. By changing the position of the hands relative to the vertical antenna, a performer can control the frequency of the output signal. Similarly, the amplitude of the signal can be affected by altering the hand's proximity to the looped antenna.

Related Topics:
Heterodyning - Oscillator - Capacitance - Television - Radio

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A careful combination of movements can lead to surprisingly complex and expressive performances. Typically, theremin sounds mostly consist of glissandi, however it is possible for a skilled performer to produce staccato notes. Although theremin players do not need to have perfect pitch, the thereminist must rely on memory and careful listening to play the instrument accurately, which is considered difficult to master.

Related Topics:
Glissandi - Staccato - Perfect pitch

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~