The intriguing theremin

Leon Theremin and his invention in the 1920’s (© Creative Commons)

People fainted when the Leon Theremin was first performed onstage in Paris in 1927. Its haunting sound resembled voices from beyond the grave. It was the first electronic instrument, and at that time, the only one which is played without actually touching it. Its ingenious maker, the charismatic Russian Leon Theremin was in many ways as mysterious as his invention.

Producer: Michele Ernsting

Broadcast: September 12, 2004