Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

[blessingx]

I'm sure many at Head-Fi have already seen the '94 documentary Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey, but for those who haven't I thought I'd mention it here. Should be of interest to anyone fascinated with music generally, electronica specifically, musical instruments, electronics, U.S./Soviet relations, dance, etc. Among the interviewees are Leon Theremin, Brian Wilson, Todd Rundgren, Clara Rockmore and Robert Moog. Some may find it a little long, but I'll let Roger Ebert explain the draw.


Here's the trailer.

 

[Duggeh]

I took up the Theremin early last year.

But my lack of any musical ability whatsoever. Utterly and totally hopeless made me move on.

The documentary though is a good one, and people should defo check it out.

 

[JadeEast]

I love that movie in so so many ways. It does what a great documentary can do it doesn't only comment or illuminate single story it runs with another more intimate and deeper story in parallel to the "big" one. So fricking unbelievable that it's a real story.

 

[stewtheking]

Duggeh, you have a wonderful look of panic in your eyes in front of that Theremin, like you're almost expecting it to attack you.

 

[Exediron]

I have one of those! I built it.

 

[Moocher]

Also take a look at the podcast "A History of Electronic Music." Very cool.

Mooch

 

[dantztiludrop]

Thanks for the tip, blessingx! I've enjoyed a number of your previous recommendations....so I'm holding you personally responsible for my enjoyment of this documentary

(The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

)!

 

[cash68]

I played with one for a few minutes. I don't understand how you ever get very precise with it, nor do I understand the point. It seems like two knobs would make the thing easier to control.

 

[-=Germania=-]

Just like any instrument, it takes practice.
I would imagine that this is very much like the french horn in that paying it is all about having a good ear and good control.

 

[cash68]

I guess, but I just don't understand the benefit to not having actual interaction. It's definitely more fatiguing to hold your arms out, than it is to rest them on something and move your hangs, etc. It's definitely cool.... I just don't understand the 'why' of it.

 

[ericj]

They should have cut the Brian Wilson interview.

Firstly, because it's obvious that he barely knows where he is, and cannot play a theremin worth a damn.

Secondly, because the Beach Boys never used a theremin, and if Brian Wilson had taken fewer drugs, he might have remembered that.

They used a similar-sounding device that is played in an entirely different manner. There's a description of it here:

The Paul Tanner Electro-Theremin Page

Wilson has since had one built for him and taken it on tour.

 

[blessingx]

Good to point out.

A few theremins models are discussed and since it seems this is a direct descendant (as is the much closer Moogs) it doesn't feel completely out of place does it? And I haven't seen an interview with Wilson where he looked grounded in a looooong time.

Do agree his and Rundgrens apparence seems a bit tacted on for obvious reasons.

And dantztiludrop this is no Diving Bell!

It's not even a great documentary, but it is a fascinating story that should have greater relevance here.

 

[ericj]

well, i'm not sure i would call it a direct descendant. The operating principle, electrically speaking, is entirely different. The similarity is only that in either case you're controlling an oscillator.

 

[Jahn]

Crazy.

YouTube - Gnarls Barkley Crazy Theremin Jam