Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

In the 20's and 30's, Russian emigrant Leonard "Leon" Theremin surprised the world with his musical invention, the theremin, and electronic musical instrument. He lived in New York, with members of high society, including Einstein and Clara Rockmore, among his friends. He married an Afro-American dancer Lavinia Williams, what it was uncommon at that time. He gave concerts, including in the Carnegie Hall, with his instrument. However, in 1938, he disappeared and later discovered that he was kidnapped by KGB Agents. He was sent to a Gulag labor camp and when he was released, he worked for KGB. When his friends find him in Russia, he returns to United States to meet his Clara Rockwood and his former friends before his death in 1993, in Moscow.

"Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey" (1993) is a documentary by Steven M. Martin about the life of the father of the electronic music, Leon Theramin. It is an amazing documentary, showing footages of Theramin since the 20's; his influence in the sci-fi movies from the 50's and in Robert Moog, the inventor of the Moog Synthetizer used mainly by progressive bands in the 70's. There is the important statement of Clara Rockwood, including in her eighteenth birthday party and a virtuoso in Theremin. Never released in Brazil, the DVD released by MGM Home Entertainment is shameful, indicating subtitles in Spanish and cc that do not exist. Only subtitles in French are available in this DVD. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available.

I was transfixed by this story -- but the film makers decision to subtitle only the Russian words on Professor Theramin's interview was maddening. Did they think *anyone* would be able to understand him?

Then, to add insult to injury, I remember seeing subtitles in the DVD menu -- but not in English!

Anyway, I *do* agree with the film-makers decision to de-emphasize the sci-fi connection with the Theramin. I wish the theramin was played by more artists like Clara Rockmore; it is a real instrument, not just the answer to a trivia question.

I'd recommend seeing it, though -- the man and his time are fascinating. A great time-warp double feature: this and 'Better Living Through Circuitry".

"The Theremin" (which was appropriately named after its inventor, Leon Theremin) is, in fact, the only non-contact musical instrument in existence.

(That's right! It's actually played without being touched)

If you have ever seen such Hollywood movies as 1945's "Spellbound" and 1950's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" - Then - You would have definitely heard the eerie, electronic sounds of the Theremin which had been carefully weaved in throughout these film's soundtracks.

Through stills, archival footage, and interviews - This often-intriguing bio-documentary (from 1993) takes a close-up look (thanks to Leon Theremin's unique instrument) at the very roots of electronic music, long before the invention of the synthesizer.

*Note* - In 1993 - Leon Theremin (97 at the time) died of natural causes.

Fascinating story. Well-done film. I had never heard of Theremin, although of course I had heard the sound of the instrument in movies and in Good Vibrations. The film documented a piece of musical history and an unusual life story while many of the principle players were still alive to participate.

It is not only a story about music, but also about the reach of the Soviet Union into the U.S. It is amazing that this story has not received more attention in the past. In the process of telling about Theremin's life, the film gives a glimpse into the lives of other artists who were associated with him in New York and of his influence on contemporary music.

I own one of Bob Moog's theremins, and it's the most difficult instrument that I've ever tried to learn to play. This film is a great overview of the instrument, the man that invented it, and the artists who have mastered it. I, too, was glad that the film downplayed the sci-fi gimmicky aspect of the instrument, but that is also an important part of its history. The best use in a film is probably The Day The Earth Stood Still.

Many of the people in the film have since become deceased, so this is a great historical record of Mr. Theremin and Ms. Rockmore. I only wish that I could come close to her artistry with the instrument.

Various companies build and sell theremins, the most popular among them being the late Bob Moog's Big Briar.