What exactly is a theremin? And why should you care? Find out Aug 3!
For immediate release
Art, Entertainment, Features editors.
July 26, 2007
Shhh. Wait. Do you hear something? It might be a theremin!
RALEIGH— The music he created was strange. His life was even stranger. Enter the world of Leon Theremin -- inventor of the electronic musical instrument bearing his name that infused weirdness into numerous '50s sci-fi movie music scores -- when the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences shows "Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey" on Friday, August 3 at 7 p.m.
Here's your chance to get your hands on a real theremin (well, not really hands on, since the theremin is designed to be played without actually being touched). Special musical guests will be representatives of the Moog Foundation, which was founded after the death of Robert A. Moog, inventor of the modern electronic synthesizer. They will be bringing several different synthesizers and a handful of theremins for visitors to experiment with.
"Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey" is a documentary that follows the amazing life of Professor Theremin, the Moscow-born genius who revolutionized modern music with his invention of the theremin, the world's first electronic instrument, in 1918. Lenin was reportedly so impressed that he summoned Theremin to the Kremlin for a demonstration, after which he exclaimed: "Communism equals Socialism plus electrification!" Theremin was later labeled as "the prophet of the future of music" and "the Soviet Edison" after he amazed America in l928 with the demonstration of his new instrument at a sold-out Carnegie Hall concert.
In the late '30s, at the height of his popularity in the States, Theremin was abducted by Stalin's agents from his New York apartment. Charged with treason, Theremin was imprisoned in a Gulag until World War II, when he was put to work on electronic research at KGB headquarters. He was eventually awarded one of the USSR’s highest honors for his invention of the "bug," the miniature electronic device that helped the Soviets spy on the American and other embassies.
Meanwhile, his instrument was making (sound)waves in American movies, ranging from eerie soundtracks to classic sci-fi thrillers such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still" to Miklos Rosza's Oscar-winning score for Alfred Hitchcock's "Spellbound." Look for plenty of clips from these films, as well as interviews with musicians such as Brian Wilson, who talks about Theremin's effect on his work, specifically in composing the Beach Boys landmark song, "Good Vibrations." The documentary also shows Theremin's return to America almost 60 years after his abduction for a touching reunion with his friends and colleagues. "Theremin" won the Filmmaker's Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival in 1994.
The Museum stays open till 9 p.m. Arrive early for video shorts from the A/V Geek and enjoy snacks and beverages from the Acro Café. Additionally, the Museum Store offers after-hours shopping and an artists' reception in the Nature Art Gallery for Maia Dery and Museum exhibit designer Jane Eckenrode. Their new exhibit, "Nature Connections," features abstract nature photography as well as landscape and relief sculpture. All exhibited art is for sale.
Don't forget to visit the Museum's newest special exhibit, "Wild Music: Sounds and Songs of Life," which explores evidence for the biological origins of music through highly interactive exhibits and exceptional sound experiences. After 5 p.m., all tickets $3. Free for members. Last tickets sold at 8 p.m.
The Museum of Natural Sciences is located in downtown Raleigh at 11 West Jones Street. Parking is available on the street and in surface lots along Wilmington and Edenton streets. For more information, contact Steve Popson at 919-733-7450, ext. 379.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 am to 5 pm, and Sun., noon to 5 pm. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the Web at naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.
| Home | What's New? | Visitor Info | Calendar | Exhibits |
| Education | Research | Museum Store | Join Us! | |
| Search | Fun Stuff | Site Map | Staff Directory | Links |