The History of the Theremin

The Invention

The theremin was invented in 1920 by a young Russian physicist named Lev Sergeyevich Termen, known in the West as Leon Theremin. Born in Saint Petersburg in 1896, Theremin was a brilliant scientist with a deep interest in electricity, radio waves, and music. He was studying physics and astronomy at the university and playing cello at the conservatory when he conceived of an instrument that could be played without physical contact.

The principle behind the theremin is deceptively simple. The instrument uses two antennas: one controls pitch, the other controls volume. By moving their hands through the air, the player changes the capacitance of the antennas, which in turn alters the frequency of oscillators inside the instrument. The result is a sound that is ethereal, expressive, and unlike anything that had been heard before.

Theremin demonstrated his invention to Vladimir Lenin, who was impressed and encouraged him to continue his work. The instrument, then called the thereminvox, quickly gained attention. Theremin traveled to Europe and the United States, where he gave concerts and met with leading scientists, musicians, and artists. He even met Albert Einstein, who tried playing the theremin and was fascinated by its connection between music and geometry.

Clara Rockmore — The Virtuoso

The theremin might have remained a curiosity if not for Clara Rockmore. Born in Lithuania in 1911, Rockmore was a child prodigy on the violin. A childhood illness forced her to give up the violin, but she discovered the theremin and quickly mastered it. She worked closely with Leon Theremin himself, refining the instrument and developing a playing technique that was unprecedented in its precision and expressiveness.

Rockmore's performances established the theremin as a serious concert instrument. She played classical repertoire with a warmth and sensitivity that amazed audiences. Her recordings, including her famous album "The Art of the Theremin," are still considered the gold standard. She performed with her sister, pianist Nadia Reisenberg, for many years, and their partnership was one of the most remarkable in the history of classical music.

For more information about Clara Rockmore, visit our Nadia Reisenberg and Clara Rockmore Foundation page.

The RCA Years and Decline

In 1929, RCA licensed the theremin and began manufacturing a commercial version. The RCA Theremin was a beautiful instrument, housed in a mahogany cabinet and built to professional standards. However, it was expensive and difficult to play, and it never achieved widespread popularity. The Great Depression and the rise of other electronic instruments, such as the Hammond organ, contributed to its decline.

Leon Theremin returned to the Soviet Union in 1938 under mysterious circumstances. He was later revealed to have been forced to work on secret government projects, including espionage technology. The exact details of his life during this period are still unclear, but it is known that he continued to work on scientific and technical projects until his death in 1993.

The Theremin in Popular Culture

Despite its decline as a concert instrument, the theremin found a new life in popular culture. In the 1940s and 1950s, it became a staple of science fiction and horror movie soundtracks. Composers such as Miklós Rózsa and Bernard Herrmann used the theremin to create eerie, otherworldly sounds for films like "The Lost Weekend," "Spellbound," and "The Day the Earth Stood Still." The instrument's distinctive sound became synonymous with the strange and the mysterious.

The theremin also appeared in popular music. Bands and artists like The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd experimented with the instrument. The theremin's ability to glide between notes made it a favorite of psychedelic and progressive rock musicians.

The Revival

In the 1990s, the theremin experienced a major revival. Steven M. Martin's documentary "Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey" introduced the instrument to a new generation. Bob Moog, the inventor of the Moog synthesizer, began producing theremins and helped to popularize the instrument. Moog's theremins were more reliable and affordable than earlier models, making the instrument accessible to a wider audience.

TECI was founded in 1995, at the height of this revival. We have been working to preserve the history of the theremin, share knowledge, and connect enthusiasts around the world. Our Theremin Bible and Theremin Plans are just two of the resources we offer to the community.

The Theremin Today

Today, the theremin is more popular than ever. There are professional theremin players like Carolina Eyck, Lydia Kavina, and Dorit Chrysler who are pushing the boundaries of what the instrument can do. There are festivals, workshops, and competitions dedicated to the theremin. There are hundreds of DIY builders who create their own instruments. And there are countless listeners who are captivated by its unique sound.

The theremin has come a long way since Leon Theremin first demonstrated his invention in 1920. It has survived wars, revolutions, and technological change. It has been a concert instrument, a movie star, and a DIY project. But through it all, it has remained a symbol of the power of creativity and the magic of music.

We hope you will continue to explore the history of the theremin and to discover its beauty for yourself. Whether you are a player, a builder, or a listener, there is always more to learn and more to enjoy.