The Theremin - how to play an instrument without touching

[⚖Hugh Wallington]

The Theremin - how to play an instrument without touching

Have you ever heard of this musical instrument?  I came across this on YouTube and found it quite fascinating!

The theremin is an electronic musical instrument that is played without physical contact by moving your hands near its antennas to control the pitch and volume. Here's how it works: 

• Electromagnetic field: The theremin has two metal antennas that create an electromagnetic field.
  
• Capacitance: The distance between the player and the instrument changes the capacitance of the electromagnetic field. 
  
• Oscillators: The theremin has three radio-frequency oscillators, including a fixed-frequency oscillator and a variable-frequency oscillator. 
  
• Heterodyne principle: The theremin measures the difference between the fixed and variable oscillators and translates it to pitch or amplitude. 
  
• Antennas: The upright antenna controls the pitch, while the horizontal antenna controls the volume.
  
• Vibrato: Small, rapid movements of the right hand can create vibrato.
  

ThTThe theremin was invented in 1919 by Russian physicist Leon Theremin.

An example of someone playing it.

KATICA ILLÉNYI theremin - Only You



How to play a scale on the theremin | Carolina talks Theremin



Debussy - « Clair de Lune » on the theremin



What surprised me is that we have all heard this instrument before, as it was used by The Beach Boys in their song Good Vibrations.  
Listen carefully to the background and you will hear it.  It was played by Brian Wilson.



Hugh