The Theremin

Ever wonder what was making that “spooky sound” in old horror movies? It was probably the Theremin. The Theremin was invented and refined between 1919 and 1921 by Leon Theremin, a Russian scientist. This instrument, originally known as the Astherphone, requires a player to move their hands through pitch and volume "fields" in the air around two antennas to produce changes in the tone being generated by the device.

The Theremin was one of the world's first electronic instruments. Eventually with its popularity growing in the United States it reached to the mind of a young man named Robert Moog. Robert would eventually create one of the most famous synthesizers in electronic music called the Moog. He later credited his moog synthesizers to the experience he learned with the Theremin.

The Theremin is most unique due to the fact that there is no physical contact while playing the instrument. The musician stands in front of the instrument and moves his or her hands in the proximity of two metal antennas. The distance from one antenna determines frequency (pitch) and the distance from the other controls amplitude (volume). The instrument is typical used in performances that require the legato performance, due to inevitable portamento in switching notes. But, with exceptional artists, staccato notes are possible. This is generally how to tell if the artist is experienced with the instrument.

Although today's modern synthesizers can recreate the sound of the Theremin quite simply, it is still a hit with most hardcore electronic musicians due to its expressiveness, novelty and uniqueness. Even today the Theremin is still being produced by the likes of Moog Music, and Harrison Instruments.

Being a music producer and sound enthusiast I would definitely love to have a Theremin in my collection, it symbolizes the beginning on electronic instruments and the wonder and mystery behind the electricity.