JS Bach performed on Theremin

[heavenlyboy34]

A mixture of the sublime and severely out of tune. Congratulations on an overall good performance. My theremin is only a one antenna model, and I'm still getting the hang of it.

[thedamondude]

i dont think i have the intonation to do it.

[edthewave]

This is actually quite good considering the technical challenges the theremin presents.

[imaginativelads]

FANTASTIC for a novice you have incredible potential. If I were you I'd do this every day until it was absolutely flawless. You have more patience than I do my friend. PHENOMINAL JOB!

[Twinkleh]

this is awesome! :D

[Moshpith]

The only thing more painful to experience than a theremin played out of tune is a load of pseudo-sophisticates who spent their precious moments trying to dream up some clever repartee to a off-the-cuff remark. BibleStorm--Back at ya, Elijah. Fallschrimmjager- Did you know that word is Norwegian for "Willing to Orally Copulate You"? You use "snarky twit" and you think someone ELSE is desperately trying to appear bright? ROFLMAO.

[raquer10101]

@Moshpith

Nom nom nom... nom. I just eated your arguement. It's now invalid.

[Fallschrimmjager]

A little out off in some spots, but a theremin is by no means easy to master. Very well done, sir. Anyone who claims pitch of the piece was perfect has no ear for music, plain and simple. Those who believe an electronic instrument can not be out of tune has no idea how the instrument works. As for the infant who managed to insult all religious people in comments about a musical piece...grow up. Being a snarky twit hardly makes you seem as bright as you are so desperately trying to appear.

[Nickdiaublow]

Omg it looks so fun!

[Moshpith]

I have perfect pitch, and I can tell you, unequivocally, he is playing dead on pitch perfect throughout this piece. But I do think he should take the turntable back, there is obviously a problem with speed warble in there due to faulty belts.

[BibleStorm]

@Moshpith buuuulllshit.

[Moshpith]

@BibleStorm That's the trouble with your Bible thumpers...you never could winnow out the ironic from the real. Hope you didn't spend the day unpacking from your unRapture experience ;-)

[BibleStorm]

@Moshpith I'm actually an atheist. I hardly see what the rapture has to do with me calling bullshit on your claim of perfect pitch.

[Moshpith]

@BibleStorm It was a comment on literalism...that was obviously so off-pitch a performance I never dreamed anyone would take that comment as serious. It's good to know even the unbelievers among us can be so literal minded that misconceptions like this can occur...I always assumed it was the fundies only. No offense intended...

[jcbahr]

@Moshpith Well then it's pretty mean. He had pretty amazing pitch, actually. I'm not saying it was in tune the entire performance, it wasn't, but I actually built a theremin a while ago and it is REALLY HARD to play one of these things. You have no right to be sarcastic at someone's honest attempt to play a song. I felt he played quite well, too, so don't bring someone's youtube account name into this and just enjoy some Bach.

[markpianoman]

If so much of it wasn't completely out of tune, it might be bearable.

[halloerde]

An amateur. Listen to the great Clara Rockmore, and prepare to be amazed.

[cullyvan]

Very nice. Honestly. however you should have worn a nice jumper and tidied up a bit. Your house is depressing. I wont be coming over.

[Phage0070]

@cullyvan

He owns and plays a theremin. Somehow I don't think company is something he needs to worry about encountering in the foreseeable future.

[tree909]

I must get one of these devices

[nutrinoland]

hey man....thats great...u'r getting there.......good luck....

its awesome to hear Bach on a theremin.... it sounds nice...not electronic at all...quite vocal/violin like....

good luck...

[TheOneOpen1]

it does hurt the ears way too much to be good, it sounds more out of tune then correct

[NoiNoki]

this is hardass, nice job

[rugbyplayer9999]

...This is wrong on so many levels. A theremin performing Baroque music--playing Bach? It's burning my ears.

[gerarddesmidt]

Watching this video of this good trying fellow I really want to have a theremin of my own and practice all evening instead of watching dumb TV.....but I will keep it to myself, and that is would he should have done for a couple of months....daring project, though! Nevertheless a tempting job.

[kant019]

hahha

[xerxerxex]

dude Theremin...amazing.

Hey Pianokid1849 quit throwing salt!

[LucitaBandita]

Pianokid1849 is right, this is horribly out of tune - even a non-musician can easily tell that. I know the theremin isn't easy to play, but sheesh, how about practicing a bit more before putting something this ear-splitting on the web for all to see.

[derfskratch]

ament...if you can do better, post a video...dickhead...HOWS THAT FOR SALT IN YO GAME PIANOKID!

[KillerOfHope4All]

how much do theremins typically cost? preferably in U.S. dollars please, thanks for any info on how to get one, make one or anything! nice job man, I hopefully will be able to play one day

[pianokid1849]

this is really not very good... and quite out of tune at most parts. :(

[dvision23]

Yeah, let's see you try... :)

[Jackpotur]

@dvision23 exactly xD

[mystersamuel]

@dvision23 Simple answer brought laugh xD

[11lbsofcheese]

@pianokid1849 Not bad considering the fact that he seems to be self-taught, though. And I'd imagine it's astoundingly hard to stick notes on such a fluid instrument if you're not pitch-perfect with amazing muscle memory.

[Bonehead3]

I usually don't care the slightest about this kind of music or instruments in general.. But this is pretty durn awesome!

[kenjibeast]

You have uncommonly good intonation. Beautiful performance.

[dvision23]

Thanks. I had know idea what I was doing here. Just look at my fingers!

[patotubes]

when can i learn to use this device¡??

[dvision23]

I suggest you begin right away!

[akm5176]

im surprised considering how long you have been playing

[dvision23]

I'm not sure what you are surprised by. I was playing the instrument for two months at the point of this recording. The rush to go on Youtube was a bit premature in my opinion.

[dingiq]

playıng so dirty..but theremin is cool,sound is nice

[njones18]

this is rad as hell!

[rudywendt]

So nice!!! Congratulations man!! i've seen the Floyd tunes too. I'm a musician and Floyd fan, and like many fans, i don't like reviews of classics... but your playin in Pillow of Winds was very sensible!! Keep doin this!!!

[chikkenchikken]

u should definitly keep your theremin.this is great dude

[VavShin]

I'm quite impressed by your playing.

[synthead]

This theremin sounds really good. I had doubt in the Moog alternatives, but you've put my faith into them.

[DisWolfen]

good sir, is it possible to reprogram a theremin to be loud with the low hand in close proximity and quiet when it's away?

[dvision23]

I don't have a definitive answer and couldn't tell you where to search next for an answer that could help you to fashion a theremin in this way, but I believe the answer is yes. It's just polarity, as far as I know.

[nitouken]

I realize that the question was not directed to me, but I know the answer so I will provide. :)

Theremins do not have programming as such; it is a matter of wiring. Sure, it would be possible. Difficult, probably, but it is a matter of reversing the effect of that particular oscillator. How to do that, I am not entirely sure. You would need someone with more than two electrical engineering classes behind him.

[fatchudwan]

...still my favorite video =)

[dvision23]

Why thank you.

[DuoDCloud]

Interesting instrument :D, It's my first time see it ^^. Amazing

[carbonarius]

quite out of tune...

[DrGsto]

Theremin cannot be out of tune... It can only be out of key due to the artist's ear... Theremin have perfect picth.

[reedo1703]

@DrGsto Ah, it's refreshing to hear someone else who truly understands the most beautiful (and haunting) instrument of all time.

[markpianoman]

@DrGsto If a Theremin has perfect pitch, then so does a violin....and we all know what they sound like when played out of tune. Either instrument can be played "out of tune."

[assym2006]

@markpianoman

a vilion can be out of turn when its sting are not at the correct tension ie it needs to be tuned.

A Theremin is electronic , it does not need to be tuned , its pitch is always perfect. Weather the player ,plays the right note , now that's another matter.

[JustinCollard]

What brand is this theremin, how much did it cost, and where did you purchase it? I'm in the market:D

[dvision23]

Soundslikeburns dot com. B3 model. $160. Good luck.

[monkeywho]

Good job! I love how with the vibrato capability it can sound really close to a voice or violin.

[fhqwgads2005]

some vids i've seen of the theremin, i honestly thought there was somebody singing. it sounds so much like a voice. i want one...

[xGutturaLoungex]

I'm a pretty proficient pianist whose been playing for 12 years or so now and I've been playing euphonium for about 6. Do you think having this sort of musical background would add to playing a theremin?

[dvision23]

I would say it's quite possible. Before I played the theremin, I played the drums for twenty-five years. Now much less. Played keyboards, too, which taught me music theory (important). A good ear and patience is essential! Try it.

I made this video after two months of playing. My technique here is passable.

[madamerotten]

Most people are clueless as to the amount of skill that is required to play a theremin with your acuity. I really appreicate this!

[dvision23]

Thanks for the kind words, Madame.

[MattFenner23]

do your arms get tired?

[dvision23]

No, not really. But it's a good question. But there are times they don't act as they should.

[fatchudwan]

awesome performance! btw what kind of amplifier are you using?

[dvision23]

I really appreciate it. Everything you hear in the video is a direct output. The theremin goes directly to a DAT deck (later synched to the video reference), the Bach music was played from an IPOD and is mixed in the edit as an AIFF file. I monitored the sound live without headphones when I played to the canned Bach music, but that monitor mix was not ever recorded from an open amp or other acoustic source.

[fatchudwan]

this is so elite. i love the facial expressions too.

[submindbase]

quelle tristesssss....... :(:(:(

[cocamon]

hahahahaha yyz!!! someone have to try rush on a theremin

[dvision23]

I can actually do a pretty convincing rendition of "Entre Nous".

[cocamon]

I would like to hear that!

[signaljunkie]

Better than magic: This "slight of hand" has nothing to do with distraction ; rather, complete - and transparent - honesty. That's something worth allowing yourself to be moved by.

[dvision23]

That's very nice of you to say. Thanks. I guess more mistakes, more honesty!

[dvision23]

Oh, and anyone with 'YYZ' listed as a favorite is okay with me.

[BoomhaurReplica7]

I am fixing 2 order the B3 theremin for myself.Thanks 4 showing me how good it sounds.Oh by the way that's really nice work buddy keep it up and good luck!

[roxinator623]

I love it! Keep up the good work!

[nickia88]

omg Is this magic??

[tmf866]

Well, he's really doing that; if you look at other Theremin videos (look in the related videos to the right) you'll find that other Thereminists can do the same thing. So, is it magic? I guess that depends on how you define "magic", now doesn't it?

[zorntap]

As arranged by Bernard Herrmann? (<: That was terrific! Thanks!!