Theremin - "The Swan" (Le Cygne) by Saint-Saens

[Bottledcan]

I learned this piece for the cello, and I immediately recognized how marvelous it would be to adapt it on the theremin!

It looks like you beat me to the idea! :P

It does indeed sound very nice. Thank you for putting the time into it. :)

[Thereminstrel]

Thank you for your kind comment.

I think it's a piece virtually EVERY thereminist learns .. although it's by no means easy!

Actually, it was hearing it played by theremin virtuoso Clara Rockmore (at YouTube) that made me want to learn the theremin myself. Her version has a violin-like sound. Probably my favourite YouTube version is by Masami Takeuchi, which has a mellow flute-like tone.

I'd like, one day, to manage a cello-like version ... so I keep on practicing, hoping to improve!

[Bottledcan]

You're certainly getting along!

Of course, intonation and movement isn't quite Clara Rockmore yet, but from my amateur ear, I can tell you that it certainly sounds promising!

When I see the amazing tone of the cello-sounding Theremistrel on the news in a couple years, I can tell my friends that I've heard it before!

Best wishes, you've gotten another subscriber.

[BlueCougar]

Um, the cello version would be an octave lower, of course...

[Thereminstrel]

Yes, I'm aware of that, (I used to play the cello). Actually, the point I was trying to make is that you rarely hear this piece played on the theremin an octave lower as it was written. Most versions have either a flute-like or violin-like sound.

With the E-Standard, (as in this video) I struggled whenever I tried to play it an octave lower and it never sounded right to me. I'm presently practicing it on a Wavefront, which sounds, (to my ear) better & more cello-ish in the lower register.

[ThomasGrillo]

Well done! You really are improving! ;) Thanks.

[Thereminstrel]

Thanks, Thomas. Glad you think I'm improving. After being stuck on a plateau for a month or two, I also feel that I'm stating to improve gradually again.

[schlimmeh]

Great playing and control.

[Thereminstrel]

Thank you! It's taken a long time but, at last, I feel like I'm starting to manage the stability and control I've been working towards. There's no short cut ... just lots of practice!

[saintrupert]

Excellent.

[Thereminstrel]

Thanks!