MONDNACHT by SCHUMANN on THEREMIN

[ASellerofPurple]

Amazing videos Sir. totally mesmerized with the instrument *-*

[ThomasGrillo]

@ASellerofPurple Thank you. Glad you enjoy it. :)

[Kchaklhva]

I just discovered this instrument, It really has a wonderful sound!

[ThomasGrillo]

@Kchaklhva Glad you like the sound. :)

[Kchaklhva]

@ThomasGrillo Thank you, it reminds me the warmth of cello and the very pure sound of the musical saw.

[ThomasGrillo]

@Kchaklhva You're welcome. :)

[MrJjlaspina]

Very beautiful and heart felt. Cool instrument!

[ThomasGrillo]

@MrJjlaspina Thank you. ;)

[Dunkelheiler]

Why use a instrument, that is so hard to contole as this one, when there is already a violon cello? It has basically the same range und sounds just more natural! In my eyes the theremin is funny to look at, and for sure a grat experience to play. But absolutely useless.

[ThomasGrillo]

@Dunkelheiler I used to play the violin, but an injury to my fingers destroyed that possibility. I'm sure people once thought the violin to look funny because it had to be toucked under one's chin, and you have to saw on it with abow.

I miss the violin, but the theremin is a viable, and useful instrument. At the time of this video, I'd only been playing for about 3 years, and have made a LOT of progress since this video. Check my latest videos, and vids of Clara Rockmore, a 5+ decade veterin.

[Dunkelheiler]

@ThomasGrillo

Okay, then in your case this instrument is a blessing and as you suggested I watched both your new Videos and Clara Rockmore. I got to say, for the really hard set up, this instrument is giving, you did a very good job and cudos to your musical hearing, which is obviously very good.

For me electronic and classical music are two things and I guess the theremin will hardly make the jump to the big stage or big orchestras but nonetheless I enjoy your music and gonna subscribe your ch

[ThomasGrillo]

@Dunkelheiler Thanks for checking out the other vids, and subscribing. ;)

[gamerman001]

@ThomasGrillo hmm... i can see someone doing some nice jazz bits with this... maybe a slap base involved... or you could even do the theme from halo on this instrument. im guessing that this instrument is quite expensive though?

[ThomasGrillo]

@gamerman001 Indeed. I have used it for a bit of jaz as seen in my video, There Jazz Concert, and my more recent video, Resolution. This particular theremin was expensive. However, it was discontinued. There are far cheaper instruments. Check my channel for links to theremin manufacturers.

[lovesaidno007]

i really enjoy your videos. you should do some with just the theramin and no accompaniment.

[ThomasGrillo]

@lovesaidno007 Thank you. I did do one video early in my theremin experience in which the there was just the theremin. It did not sound as good as with accompaniment. I deleted that video. The reason theremins don't do so well on their own is it's not a fixed toned instrument like a guitar or piano. It's too easy to start out on pitch, and end way off over time. Vocalists often experience this problem. :)

[ThomasGrillo]

@lovesaidno007 I forgot to mention that I am working on an improvisation for theremin which will be solo. I don't know just when I'll be ready to produce that video. :)

[lovesaidno007]

@ThomasGrillo i look forward to seeing that video :)

[ThomasGrillo]

@lovesaidno007 Cool. Stay tuned. ;)

[AHPMB]

Very nice, I'm glad to see videos like this helping to raise awareness about this instrument.

[ThomasGrillo]

@AHPMB Thank you. :)

[toekick1]

Sir... you are amazing.

[ThomasGrillo]

@toekick1 Thank you. :)

[BCSasqwatcher]

You are by far the best at this! Good job!

[ThomasGrillo]

@BCSasqwatcher Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[WintowersLove]

Fantastico

[ThomasGrillo]

@WintowersLove Thank you. :)

[blisk]

just awesome!

Greetings from Spain

[ThomasGrillo]

@blisk Thank you, and greetings. :)

[DPSUKO23]

Thomas Grillo is the freaking coolest man alive! Nothing more to say

[ThomasGrillo]

@DPSUKO23 Thanks. :)

[ThomasGrillo]

@InGroove2 Thanks for the comment. I play totally by ear, because I'm legally blind, so I haven't a clue what note is what. At the time I shot this, I actually did not like the original composition, so I did it my way, but when it goes to CD, the "as written" notes will be used. I think they call it "interp". ;)

[InGroove2]

@ThomasGrillo holy crap! I didn't know. Amazing. Good work.

[ThomasGrillo]

@InGroove2 Thanks. ;)

[dragantoe]

Where did you get that beautiful moog, and where can i get one?

[ThomasGrillo]

@dragantoe The Moog theremin seen here is the Moog Etherwave Pro theremin. Unfortunately, Moog Music unwisely decided to discontinue the instrument's production, siting manufacturing difficulties which this professional thereminist feels could've been easily corrected.

Only about 1300 were produced, with the last 80 being made with walnut for the audience side. Now, a serious, deserving thereminist must wait for one to show up on e-bay. It originally cost 1200.

[BLByline]

Oh man think of the possibilities if you could run this instrument through a talk-box! You could write like 6 octave jumps in an instrument that still speaks like a voice!

[ThomasGrillo]

Indeed. Have a look at youtube user, carport888. He did just that. :)

[BLByline]

Which video are you talking about? I'm looking through his stuff and I haven't found anything with a talkbox.

[ThomasGrillo]

I just checked his channel. He's taken them down. I guess it did look pretty silly to have a talk box tube in your mouth while playing a theremin. Sounded pretty cool, though.

[brianmaysspawn]

amazing, sir! well done this video's great:)

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you. :)

[LPersUnanimous]

This instrument is interesting. It makes good music better.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you. :)

[GodHetfield]

c'hai dei grandi occhiali!!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you. :)

[TheXioChan]

Im speechless. I really dont know what to say.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you. :)

[elojorojo]

Thomas that's awesome!! what a beautiful instrument .

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you. :)

[mariofreak444]

Do you need an amplifier for this or does it have a built in system?

[ThomasGrillo]

Most theremins do require an amp or powered sound system.

However, there are a few examples in the past where theremins had built in speakers. Dr Sam Hoffman owned an RCA theremin with an internal speaker. Peter Pringle now owns it.

Moog had a few models like the Series 91 A, B, and C, which also had speakers.

Burns even modded one B3 with a speaker for a student of mine.

Gakken makes a battery theremin with a speaker, and Burns has a handheld with speaker. Matryomins have speakers.

[papal12]

GREAT!!

greetings from Tel aviv, israel

keep up the good work! it is amazing!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you for the kind words. :)

[deehouse55]

very very nice!!!!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you. :)

[acordeon70]

me gusta mucho felicitaciones thomas!!!

[ThomasGrillo]

Gracias. :)

[Ihavebigtesticles]

brilliant! sounds like music from some other world.... and so I begin to dream =)

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you.

[Communistsynthist]

Thank you for these videos, sir. I love theremins, I plan on buying one soon. They sound amazing. Hopefully I can pick on the concept of playing one.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you for the kind words. :)

I wish you all the best.

[AChtChtCht]

I don't know if you've already done it, but have you tried playing Dido's Lament on the Theremin? I would just love to hear it . I think the fluidity of the melody would lend itself so well to the instrument. Just my two cents. I so enjoy hearing you play. Magic!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you for the kind words. :)

I'll certainly explore Dido's Lament. :)

[ThomasGrillo]

You're in luck. I've found a melody free piano accomp of Dido's Lament, and I've started studying the youtube vids of it as practice tracks. It may take me a month or so to master it, but I've added this one to my repertoire.

Thanks for the request. :)

[poiyoupoiyou]

Hi, i really enjoy your playing, very sensitive, but may i suggest something ? could you play another version with at the beginning of singing C#-D#-E#-F#-F# instead of E, wich is one of the most magnificient of schumann's harmony ? (or Db-Eb-F-Gb if you are in another tone of course...)

Thanks very much for all your posts, and BRAVO, continue so !

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks.

At the time I performed this, I'd learned it completely by ear. I don't read music, because I'm legally blind. As it turns out, I'd learned the 3rd note in each early sequence wrong because of the reference piece I learned it from. Recently, a friend mentioned the incorrect notes in question to me, and after doing more research (after posting this), I discovered the inaccuracy. Interestingly, the "wrong" notes actually work well here, but I am working on a comparative accurate version

[JoesCheapThrills]

Very nice.

I'd like to see you try and do something with Verklarte Nacht by Schoenberg.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. I'll certainly check it out. :)

[Maledictis1]

wonderful musical artistry and great interpretation!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you for the kind words. :)

[sidthemyth]

very good. you got a lot better.

please can you play the moonlight sonata?

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words.

There is a rendition of it done by me in one of my videos called Theremin Concert On Burns B3 Deluxe. It's in the "more from Thomas Grillo" list to the right. :)

[BigOlBoxOCrayons]

Oh wow, that was beautiful. It sounded like an electronic violin in a way.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words. :)

[BigOlBoxOCrayons]

No problem! What's it called? The instrument I mean. Or wait, never mind.

Well what's it like? Is it easy to use or does it take a ton practice & such like any other instrument?

[ThomasGrillo]

It's like nothing you've ever experience. It's a magical experience just to know you can make sounds, or music just by waving your hands about near an antenna.

To play well, like with any other instrument, it takes lots of practice, dedication, and patience.

...Oh, and a good eaer. :)

[HARDC0RY503]

wow, that was actually very good. is there any way i could find out how much one of them theremins are and where to get one?

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks.

You can get theremins for between $152, and $350 at soundslikeburns . com. Tell them I sent you.

You can also get them for between $400, and 500+ at Moog Music.

Wavefront theremins are $700 to $1800 at theremin . ws.

[johnnyquicksilver]

Beautiful performance!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[mysteritmo]

I enjoyed this very much. Incredible skill! Also your theremin lessons were very informative. Thx.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words, and you're welcome. ;)

[the81stviewer]

Have you ever considered having a Theramin choir? as in there being at least four independant parts? Might be good for Bach chorales and the like...

[ThomasGrillo]

Yes, I am considering doing a theremin orchestra. ;)

[rade70]

i hope uk ure the whitest man playing tht white man instrument i see a little brighter cuz of u thnks

[ThomasGrillo]

Cool. No prob.

[bonfirejovi]

does anything happen if you place you hand lower on the left antenna?

[ThomasGrillo]

If you mean the antenna on the left of your screen, there is a slight change in pitch, as this is the pitch antenna, and there is a metal tube, and couils, along with the antenna lead which pass through the wooden arm that holds the vertical rod.

It's not as much of a change in pitch as with moving the hand horizontally.

[conquerearth]

thoes low octaves.. it makes me want an E-Pro even more!

Loved it.

[ThomasGrillo]

Indeed. That's where the Etherwave Pro shines.

Thanks for the kind words. ;)

[6dbdrop]

Nice work Thomas.

When will you give us Schubert's Trout?

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. I'll put that one on the list of tunes to add. ;)

[thecamraman]

Once again, Nice work my friend.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. ;)

[woodyinthemiddle]

Absolutely beautiful. Nice shades too!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words.

[vladimista2]

very nice selection! and the shades are sweeet.......

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Pekkanini55]

Hey, Thomas! Very well played, as always! And your looks..what can I say..COOL!!

[ThomasGrillo]

Hi, Thanks for the kind words. Looking forward to your next videos! ;)

Keep up the great works!

[rayunseitig]

I enjoyed that, thank you.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words, and you're welcome. ;)

[Artege]

The blend of a vest, matrix shades, Schumann, and a Moog Etherwave theremin has never been done before and I thank you for creating that combo.

[acdeeds]

Awesome as usual

[Volker400]

Only this:

BEAUTIFUL, my dear Thomas---as ever!!

Yours,

Volker

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words. ;)

[rexleeking]

BRAVO!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks ;)

[traceyeks]

loved this one ,you play with such affection,brilliant ,tracey xx

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words. ;)

[MortaniusTaijou]

man I haven't listened to a Theremin for a while and I forgot how beautiful they sound, then I remembered how even more beautiful you make them sound!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thank you for the kind words. ;)

[MortaniusTaijou]

Mr. Thomas, it is the truth my friend!

[phillippm0]

its GRAT nice work!!!!!!!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words.

[phillippm0]

no prob

[patibul]

High performance.! My wife begins playing theremin .with T.G lessons......close to musical saw....

Thks to maestro !.....

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words. I wish you and your wife all the best with the theremin.

[MrJeekz]

Nice!Btw nice glasses XD.Hehe keep it up/

[invisyblninja]

your electromagnetic field renders wonderful music. thank you!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. ;)

[invisyblninja]

keep makin' Theremin music for us to enjoy!

[ThomasGrillo]

I certainly shall. ;)

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind words.

[bubuvega]

Soooo Great Thomas........ Exellent man!!!

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Balingeo]

j'hésite, c'est très bien, mais un peu faux...

[Thereminstrel]

Truly excellent! I always enjoy your classical playing - this is a real treat! Thank you.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks. There's more to come in the months ahead.

[ajittffcure]

Simply beautiful! Thomas, your videos have always got a strange kind of beauty not only in terms of your playing but also in how everything looks around you.

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the kind works. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[killersamuk]

Excellent performance Thomas, and liking the shades 8)