How is it possible to play music without ever touching the instrument? Introducing the theremin, invented in the 1920’s by Russian Lew Termen (aka Leon Theremin). Many sci-fi soundtracks have recorded this sound and Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys includes a theremin-inspired effect.
Here’s the theremin in concert with full orchestra behind. Katica Illényi plays recognizable music clips that Star Trek fans will love. (2 min)
Geeking out for a moment, the theremin is essentially a box of radio tubes that set in motion two sound-wave frequencies above the range of hearing. Together, these produce a lower, audible sound equal to the difference in their vibratory rates.
Hands serve as electronic conductors to control pitch, moving toward or away from an antenna at the right rear of the box, altering one of the initial frequencies. Harmonics can be filtered out, allowing several tone colors over six octaves.
Yeah, I don’t get it either.
I recently met an inventor whose science terminology baffled me, too. That didn’t stop me from being fascinated, from seeing something quite remarkable light up in him when he spoke.
Same with reading the book Project Hail Mary before I see the film. Don’t get it. Still love it.
Maybe if we’re willing to embrace something we don’t comprehend at a cognitive level, we’re just as open to awe. The strange sounds or language need not get in the way of connecting on another level. I’m curious if my opinion of AI will change with this revelation.
I do see that scientists and artists can come together in the joy and miracle of creating something new. Like a theremin.
That is living as music.
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Find Your Rhythm. Harmonize with your heart.
Comments:
Amazing! I had not heard of a theremin and had no idea how the Star Trek music was created. It came to me our divine imagination is the key to creating and accepting something new. I can't resist sharing this quote from an interview with Albert Einstein: "I am enough of the artist to draw fully upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." He believed that imagination is necessary to create new possibilities, while knowledge only covers what is known. For me it is a joy and miracle to know that each of us has this creative fountain within us. Thank you for the inspiration Emma.