"State of the Arts" Interviews Thereminist Scott Marshall

On the NJ Network "State of the Arts" a thereminist demonstrates and talks about the oddest and most difficult musical instrument, the first electronic instrument, the Theremin. Interview by Amber Edwards.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Theremin
• Theramin
• Electronic
• Music
• Documentary
• Swan
• Over
• Rainbow

[Philflash]

It makes sense that Robert Moog picked up on this concept.

[MisterScott99]

Why do you say that?

[madamerotten]

Wonderful playing by Scott. The commentary stating that the theremin "creates an electromagnetic field," however, is irrelevant. Electromagnetism is not the main basis for the theremin's operation.

[MisterScott99]

Amber didn't say it was the "main basis" and I think her simplification was quite helpful for her audience. The theremin DOES create an electromagnetic field, and it DOES modify the sound (pitch and volume) to move in that field, so she is not incorrect. What is YOUR explanation for the "main basis" for the theremin's operation?

[madamerotten]

While the oscillators in the Etherwave theremin do use coils, and electromagnetic waves are relevant to them, it is the variation of electrostatic coupling of the hands to the instrument's electrodes (aka "antennas") that cause the changes in pitch and volume due to changes in capacitance varying with hand-to-electrode distance. If the electromagnetic fields from the coils were completely shielded, the theremin would still work.

[MisterScott99]

I see what you're saying. However, there are ways to produce an electromagnetic field without a coil, such as a radio transmitting antenna. In fact, the electrostatic and electromagnetic fields are two manifistations of the same basic force. What if she had said it was an electrostatic field instead of an electromagnetic field? Would she then have been correct?

[fahreneit]

Right.

[Dan4157]

The instrument really reminds me of the 50's and art deco

[Philflash]

This is the first synthesizer most likely Moog was inspired by it.

[madamerotten]

In my opinion, it is more correct to cite the electrostatic field. Your point regarding a radio transmission is well taken, and I agree that the two fields are part and parcel of the same physical principles.