| |
Invented by Leon Theremin in 1920, the Theremin is the earliest electronic instrument to remain in active use today. The instrument contains a vertical rod that emerges from the top of a cabinet, and a loop that emerges horizontally from the left side of a cabinet. Moving a hand closer to the vertical rod changes pitch. Moving a hand closer to the loop changes volume.
Clara Rockmore, who performed the Theremin at Town Hall in New York in 1934, became the first theremin virtuosa. Listen to this excerpt from Clara Rockmore's performance of Saint-Saens' The Swan.
·
In the photo at the left, Leon Theremin performs in New York in 1927. Courtesy Robert Moog.
|
|
