{"id":40735,"date":"2024-03-11T12:08:38","date_gmt":"2024-03-11T11:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/e1e53386-5a78-4c2a-9610-5f89aba169f0"},"modified":"2024-03-11T14:41:25","modified_gmt":"2024-03-11T13:41:25","slug":"the-best-works-for-the-theremin","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/rss_feed\/the-best-works-for-the-theremin\/","title":{"rendered":"The best works for the theremin"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Freya Parr\n <\/p>

Published: Monday, 11 March 2024 at 11:08 AM<\/p>

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The theremin is a fascinating no-contact instrument that has been used in a surprising number of musical styles, thanks to its unique \u2013\u00a0and haunting \u2013 sound. We’ve looked through the archives for some of the best works for the theremin, and the songs and pieces of music that have featured this unusual instrument over the years. <\/p>

What is a theremin?<\/h2>

The theremin was invented in 1920 by Russian scientist, cellist and spy Lev Sergeyevich Termen, or Leon Theremin as he was known in the US.<\/p>

Surely the only instrument that is played without anyone touching it, its physics are simple: two antennae emit electrical fields and the player interrupts them with any part of their body. In general, the left hand controls volume while the right hand determines pitch.<\/p>

The best works for the theremin<\/h2>

Martin\u016f<\/strong><\/a> wove moments of otherworldly tenderness into the otherwise bruising textures of his Fantasia<\/em> for theremin, oboe, piano and string quartet.<\/p>

The theremin also crops up in Fazil Say’s Universe Symphony and Kalevi’s Theremin Concerto, which we included in our list of the best concertos for unusual instruments<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>