Electronic Instruments

Eric Ross’s Composing For the Theremin is an interesting and concise article that reviews the unique challenges and opportunities of writing music for the theremin:

To write for the theremin effectively one should know its strengths and weaknesses.

The theremin is a monophonic instrument; which is to say, it can only produce one pitch at a time. It has about a five-and-a-half octave range. Its low range can sound like a cello or string bass, mid range to upper range can be vocal-like and the top end is brilliant and piercing. But with effects or MIDI you can extend both the range and timbre of the instrument.

Theremins work on the principle of heterodyning—that is, mixing the output of two radio frequency oscillators to produce a beat. When this frequency is over 50 Hz or so, an audio signal is produced which is then amplified.

The theremin is played by changing the alternating magnetic fields that surround two antennae. The resultant waveform is variable. One hand controls pitch, the other volume.

The theremin is difficult to play well. There’s no keyboard or fret board for reference. Spatial perception is only part of it. One must have a good ear, since ear training certainly helps in hitting the intervals correctly. It’s important to be relaxed physically and concentrated mentally to hear the note before it is played. You’ll need to make the right adjustments instantaneously to hit the note cleanly in the center of the pitch. There are several different styles and finger work that can be used to do this. Some players concentrate on the right hand which produces pitch, but the left hand which controls the volume and attack is equally important. In a way, the right hand is the artisan and the left hand is the artist.

See the full article at the New Music Box site.

via MusicOfsound, Image: Usonian

The awesome Pamelia Kurstin performing at TED!

SHe discusses the theremin and performs Autumn Leaves, Billy Strayhorn’s Lush Life and a composition by David Mash, Listen: the Words Are Gone. Piano: Makoto Ozone

Born in Los Angeles, Kurstin currently resides in Vienna, and performs with acclaimed eccentric rockers Barbez, among many others. Her latest solo CD, Thinking Out Loud, was released in 2007 on John Zorn’s Tzadik label.

Kurstin is delightful in person and a bit goofy/freaky, too. If you’re brave, she’ll teach you the theremin and cut your hair:

i’m available for private lessons in Vienna or wherever i may be on tour or visiting. if you’re daring, i also give haircuts!

all levels, ages, and creatures are welcome for lessons. for hair cuts, i usually do best with shorter hair. if you have a small dog, it’s totally welcome for hanging out and getting a haircut too… maybe even a bath if i can find a hose outside!

you don’t have to have perfect pitch to play theremin. whoever told you that, i would like to have a word with him/her about this BULLSH*T idea of ‘PERFECT PITCH’… ” hey, psst pssst, think RELATIVE PITCH… and don’t you be fakin’ that headache from something being ‘out of tune’… just shut up!!!” so anyhooo, you don’t have to bring scissors, i have these paper-cutting scissors that work just fine. if you bring your dog, i’ll show you where he can poop outside and you don’t have to pick it up!!!

NATIVE INSTRUMENTS is excited to announce that ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS 2 XT is now available in stores worldwide.

ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS 2 XT is the extended version of NI´s award-winning second REAKTOR instrument collection. The new version contains all the unique synthesizers, drum machines and effects from the collection as individual self-contained software instruments. Each of the eight instruments in ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS 2 XT can be run both standalone as well as in all major plugin formats, without relying on a REAKTOR or REAKTOR SESSION installation.

ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS 2 XT is available now for a suggested retail price of $169 / 149 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop.

For more information, please see http://www.native-instruments.com/ei2xt.info