You find yourself in a room. You don't know where, but the cold hospital gown you seem to be wearing indicates something has gone wrong. You search around, down empty hallways and scrub rooms, searching for a glimpse of humanity. As you look, you feel a slight shiver beginning to work it's way up your back. You realize an odd noise has been playing for a few moments , a low humming tone that has been quietly rising in frequency over the past few minutes. You also realize that it's getting louder. Every inch of your body is panic. You run in the first direction you can think of. As you stumble down the hallways you hear it. The noise. Just around the corner, somehow knowing every turn you've made. Your heartbeat is pounding away in your ear. You take a left. Then a right. Where's that breeze coming from? The door! You finally spot it, just beyond the next room. You can hear the noise, swelling higher than ever before. You make a last mad dash. Success! What?! No! The door is stuck! You try to pull it as much as your strength will allow. No luck. You suddenly notice something. Nothing. Silence. You turn around slowly, dreading every inch. It can't be gone. But the room is empty. You cautiously breathe a sigh of relief, turn around, and continue on the door. The lock breaks free and the door creaks open. Suddenly the air swells to a piercing high! You scream! It's all over! You tried to run, you tried to hide, but you couldn't escape from. . .
The Instrument of the Month: The Theremin!!
It's Halloween time, and so we're taking a look at one of the spookiest (and coolest) instruments in the world. The theremin is a staple in classic cinema, finding it's niche amongst the horror and sci-fi genre. It's not difficult to see why. Here are some great examples of theremin in classic film.
The theremin was invented by a Russian man (with the coincidental name of Leon Theremin) in the early 20th century. Leon Theremin was an inventor of many gadgets (including kickass espionage tools and interlacing), and after inventing his patented instrument began touring the globe, showing off his wonderous contraption and playing music to a captivated audience. The theremin is one of the first electronic instruments and the only known instrument that is played without touching it. It has a long antenna attached to a box with a metal loop at the other end. You move you hand toward and away from the antenna to change the frequency (or pitch) of the oscillator housed in the box, whilst using your other hand to affect the volume by bringing it toward or away from the metal loop. It's all very technical and sciency, but the result is beautiful in trained hands.
What about theremin in pop culture? Examples of theremin use in professional music is not as easy to find as more traditional instruments such as the guitar, but dedicated musicians can still be found, playing covers and originals alike. Here's the legendary Jimmy Page playing one. Some good examples are here, here, and here. My personal favorite? This one.
Wanna get your own? There are actually an insane amount of options. That's the Gakken Otona Kagaku DIY theremin in the previous video. It's one of the best ways to learn how the theremin works while also getting a playable instrument. You can also buy a preassembled one here, here or here. Like figuring things out for yourself? Try making your own. Or try the more portable version with the light theremin. Want a brainy instrument that's also edible? Try the bread theremin! Don't see what your looking for? Search around, you're bound to find something.
Welp, that covers it for this month. We'll be back shortly for Instrument of the Month: November. See ya soon,and Happy Haunting!!
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