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INSTRUMENT

The theremin was invented in 1919 by Russian scientist Lev Sergeyevich Termen (often known in the West as Leon Theremin). It is considered one of the earliest electronic instruments still in use—and by many the very first. It stands out for having no direct predecessors, offering a truly new and fascinating way to create music.

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How does it work?

When the theremin is switched on, electromagnetic fields form around its two antennas. By moving their hands within these fields, the player controls pitch and volume without ever touching the instrument—effectively pulling melodies out of thin air.
 

  • Pitch (right antenna): The closer your right hand is to the upright antenna, the higher the pitch; moving it away lowers the pitch.
  • Volume and articulation (left antenna): The horizontal antenna governs how loud or soft the sound is. With the hand close to it, the theremin is muted; raising your hand or arm brings in the sound, gradually increasing its volume.
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​A brief history

The theremin rose to fame in the 1930s and ’40s, thanks to virtuosos like Clara Rockmore and Lucie Rosen, who performed on major concert stages around the world. In the 1950s, Hollywood gave the theremin its “spooky” reputation by using its eerie tones in science fiction and horror films, notably in Bernard Herrmann’s The Day the Earth Stood Still and Miklós Rózsa’s Spellbound.

In more recent decades, composers such as Lera Auerbach, Fazil Say, Kalevi Aho, Howard Shore, Simon Bertrand, Maxine Aulio, and many others have embraced the theremin’s unique voice, featuring it in concert music and orchestral scores.

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An evolving tradition

Because the theremin is still a relatively young instrument, new ways of playing and controlling it are constantly being developed by today’s performers. With each innovation, the theremin gains a stronger foothold in the musical world—claiming the place it deserves as yet another color on the musical palette.

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