An overview for composers and music lovers | Carolina talks Theremin
Hi! I am Carolina, I play the theremin and
I am answering your questions. In this video, I would like to give you an
overview about the things you need to know when you are composing for the theremin. As
the theremin is a young instrument, the repertoire is still a little bit limited.
My theremin colleagues and I are always happy about new compositions for the theremin.
So, let’s get started! The theremin is one of the first electronic
musical instruments. It was invented in 1919 by the Russian physicist Leon Theremin. It
is the only instrument that is played without being touched. It has two antennas.
The upright antenna controls the pitch. When the right hand approaches the antenna, the
pitch gets higher. The loop antenna controls the volume. Approaching
the antenna makes the volume softer. The left hand is responsible for dynamics and articulation. There are a lot of different types of theremins
on the market. I play on two different instruments by the company MoogMusic. I am mainly playing
on my Etherwave Pro theremin, because it is the most advanced one.
Most thereminists use the Etherwave Standard at the moment, because this is the one
currently in production. You can improve it a lot by installing a module by Thierry Frenkel. The range of the theremin is very big and
usually spans up to 7 octaves or more. When you touch the antenna you get the highest pitch, which is different on each different theremin model. The lowest note is only limited by the capabilities of your speaker system. Most theremins can play the whole range at once. In contrast, the Etherwave Pro needs
to switch between three registers. You might need to know that most theremins
have a non-linear pitch field. This means, like on a violin string, the higher the pitch
gets the smaller the distances between the notes become. By leaning forward with your
body you can compensate this matter and the distances will expand.
Because of the register switch the Etherwave Pro does have a linear pitch field, so the
distances between the notes stay the same through the whole range. To tune the theremin, you need to adjust a
knob called “pitch” on the instrument. On the theremin you don’t tune to any specific
note like the standard “A”. Instead you need to adjust the electromagnetic field to your
body. Nobody else then the player himself can do it, because every body influences the
field differently. So basically imagine there is an invisible
string coming from the antenna towards your body. This string might end in front of your
body or behind you. You want to change the field, so the string stops right behind you,
that means you have the lowest possible note just behind your body. There are different ways to play the theremin.
Because we are moving our hands in the air there is a lot of freedom.
However, there has been a development of a certain finger techniques to hit the correct
pitches. In 2006 I wrote a book about the 8 finger
position technique which I developed and which I am still teaching to my students.
It is based on minimal movements. Because every motion changes a note, you want to move
your fingers and hand in a very precise way. With the 8 finger position technique, I can
play a scale without moving my arm, only by using my hand and fingers. So, for every note in the scale, I have a certain finger position which I can recall. To play notes which are not within one octave, I move my arm. To play a vibrato I move my arm in a diagonal
way to the pitch field. I only move my arm – *not* my wrist or fingers – so I won’t change
my finger position. Please remember: because we are moving in
the air and because there is no mechanical guidance, there is a certain limitation in
how fast you can hit a remote note precisely. By the way, to find a right starting tone
in the air, you either need perfect pitch, a tuning device or take your starting note
from another instrument. So you may think as if you would write for
a singer and write a note into the music which helps the thereminist to find his or her starting
note. All the phrasing, dynamics and articulation
is done by the left hand. To create a crescendo or decrescendo I just
move my arm up and down. For small articulation I mainly use my hand.
So, I can play short staccato notes, but I can also use my hand to phrase a single note. I use my fingers to slightly interrupt the
sound between two notes, so I won’t hear a glissando between them. On my theremin I can select between different
timbres. Again, the selection differs a little bit on different theremin models. Usually
the player selects his timbre himself to fit the style of the music. But you can also write
a description in the score, whether you want a more sinus wave like sound or a more open
sound. I’ll show you some of the sounds now. I often get the question: How do you notate
a theremin part or how does your score look like? Well, I wish I could tell you something
sensational, but usually my score just looks like any other score.Usually a violin clef
or bass clef I used. Remember: The theremin is a monophonic instrument and it cannot play
more than one note at the same time by itself. But, of course, depending on the music, you
can also use graphical notation. Especially because you can just draw anything into the
air. You could paint something in your score and the player would just imitate it. It could
sound something like this: Also there is the option to write normal notes
and mention that the pitches do not have to be taken too seriously. Especially when you
want to write some faster passages. The player then can decide how precisely he or she wants
to play the notes without going out of character. There are some cool effects you can only do
on the theremin. I will give you some examples: Use the register switch to jump between octaves: Use other electrically conductive materials
to create sounds: Or you can just touch the antenna like I did in this recording: And you can even make
bird sounds: Which leads me to the next topic… At the moment I’m working with four different
effect units. I’m always looking for new possibilities and sounds, but this is what I’ve been using
for quite a while now. Let me show you! Using a delay is nothing really new, so I’ll
just show you two different things I can do with it. 1. Having set the delay to a moderate setting I can build some nice atmospheric chords. 2. With a short delay with only one rebound I get a cool effect which gives the theremin a chorus
effect. This basically gives you an extra octave in
the bass. With the Harmonizer I can add certain notes
to my original note. So for example a forth or fifth. I can also select the setting to play certain chords. With my loop station I can record a sequence,
replay it and record even more layers on top of it. So that’s my current setup. I’m not so much
into distortion effects, but if you know any additional devices you think I should try
out, please let me know! I hope this covers all the basics you need to create a classical composition for the theremin. Let me know in the comments, if
I forgot to mention anything or if you have any questions. You can also contact me directly on Facebook or write me an e-mail. Thank you for watching, see you next time and bye, bye!
That is so so beautiful Carolina. Classically wonderful. I want one now….
That pitch at 2:19 got all my dogs attention!
Thank You Carolina. It is a very Good información. AM a musican, chamver composer and live in Colombia. You áre loving.
I have a higher understanding of this instrument now. Thank you for the precise overview. Well Done!
How is the name of your Theremin?
I want to buy the same Theremin !
Very impressive. I don't know anyone who plays the Theremin but I know a stripper in Las Vegas. I figure she might be able to play it by flicking her hips near the vertical antenna. I mean she is pretty skilled and all.
It's like….air guitar, but REAL!
Thankyou for this video! I just got one for Christmas and as I violinist, I'm really excited to learn and see where it takes me.
This is remarkable and Ur a rare Talent! Thank U!
Hi Carolina whats the difference between the theremin you play in this video and the one behind? (besides the climbing duck of course) Great videos keep it up!
This was very informative and interesting. I guess there are many gadgets you can add to the theremin as you have demonstrated, so I wonder how many outlets you have on the one you purchased. I imagine all of it can be very expensive. But since you have such a commitment to it that wouldn't matter so much. I am curious about a ball park figure to consider investing. I believe I want to learn it soon! I like the design you have for a theremin and wondered if it is custom made or can one be purchased like it? I tried to purchase the Sonatas over Amazon (on CD) and it said none were available.
This was very informative and interesting. I guess there are many gadgets you can add to the theremin as you have demonstrated, so I wonder how many outlets you have on the one you purchased. I imagine all of it can be very expensive. But since you have such a commitment to it that wouldn't matter so much. I am curious about a ball park figure to consider investing. I believe I want to learn it soon! I like the design you have for a theremin and wondered if it is custom made or can one be purchased like it? I tried to purchase the Sonatas over Amazon (on CD) and it said none were available.
Wow!!! Wonderfull….
Could you modify the timbres so you could play EDM music or something like that?
How about adding a looper by BOSS in your set up, Carolina?
So beautiful! Thanks for the information. This is my next instrument, for sure. I love that it uses invisible fields of energy and allows for such a range of expression.
do they make left handed theramins? i was a violinist for decades but can no longer play due to injury but would want to use the opposite hands
Hey I am in love with this instrument. How can I learn it ? Love from India.
like si hablas español xd
Bunny cameo!
Thank you for the super informative video. Learned a lot.
Thank you! 🙂
Your channel is gold 🙂
you are beautyful
I love this theremin course very very smart
it was so cool when you blowed bubbles at it hahaha
Oh Caroline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHdub8m7XnQ
Your amazing I love it!
14:27 BUNNY
Carolina, try running your Theremin thru a Wah Wah pedal.
That would sound pretty cool! 😉
look on face clearly says "i am the theremin badass for inventing this finger position"
Quel est le nom de ce modele ?
Ever since that episode of workaholics I’ve always wanted one of these.
That was REALLY interesting as well as presented in such an adorable way! What a unique instrument 🙂 I would be quite thrilled to try it myself sometime!
What is she playing at 15:31?
New album "Waves" out now! 🙂 https://www.carolinaeyck.com/waveslp
This would sound fantastic with the game of thrones Jon snow and Daenerys theme
9:50 I can finally die in peace, dive bombs can be done on the theremin
Excellent video. What about MIDI ?
I need to buy a Theremin RIGHT NOW!
Very well done video. Thanks for sharing.
Lower pitch the higher your left and raises your volumes and higher pitches you lower left to balance between when sweeping volume to swell and blend the tones as they sound warped together
I would love to hear Regin Smiður by the Faroese band Týr played on the Theremin. The intro is performed with droning electric guitars using E-bows and legato, which would lend itself well to the sound of the Theremin.
Thanks to Rob for taking Me here… and thanks to You for making beautiful things…
I think you should try a reverb pedal. Something like OceanVerb or ShimVerb.
Fantastic and extremely helpful video!
Müsste es nicht theoretisch möglich sein eine Soundwave in FL Studio oder Ableton zu erstellen und diese dann auf dem Theremin zu spielen?
My ex girlfriends doppelganger is a renowned theremin player
I'm not totally sure how to word this, but how fast can you comfortably play?
Also, what is your vocal range?
i feel like the theremin would be a great instrument for 12 tone compositions.
wow, that is a SERIOUS WIDE British accent if she was from the UK, got shocked when i found out she's from Germany,, LOVE IT xD
Found your channel through your video with Rob Scallon, youre so AWESOME!
Suggestion: Theremin => Midi-converter => Moog or some other synth. :o)
Deja vu while watching
I want this for the next Hollywood OST soundtrack. Jean Michele Jarre used one I think. 😄
Hi, you are talented and pretty
Bach is saying "Whaaaaaaa?"
Goddess beauty
Anyone wanna buy my theremin? Haven't touched it in years.
15:30 is absolutely gorgeous. I'd love a whole song in that setting
I'm considering learning the theramin this weekend… any tips?
BEAUTIFUL !!!!
She said 👎👍👈👉👌✊✌👊👌👌👋
It's beautiful.. wish there was more of this music around
thank you rob
How does it worksss
I WANT THIS SOOOOOO BAD!!!!
Woah
How come this was this made in 1919 and no one is famous from playing it yet.
With the peddles are they like piano peddles the way you use them
She is singing 😏
Carolina, this is too hard! Argh!
Invaluable knowledge. Thanks for sharing Carolina.
Still in love with your laugh…
My new celebrity crush
15:29 the most beautiful sound in the universe
Try a Talk Box w/the Theremin maybe into a Tube Hi Gain amp? When will you come to USA?
This is a Theremin Etherwave Pro right?
Fry will play something like this in the future.
Happy 100th anniversary, theremin!
Perhaps if you generated a harmonically rich tone such as a sawtooth then controlled a filter using midi you could create some incredibly organic sounds
Ever tried a Wah-wah pedal? Could be interesting.
Hello Caroline thank you for sharing knowledge I’ve found it very inspiring! Wanted to ask other than playing the theremin from the back can you get a left handed instrument kind regards Dave
Manos traviesas
Such a perfect girl.
Have you ever thought of using wah or Autowah/Envelope filter type effect? Or even a Talk box? Could be very interesting. I absolutely love your videos and music! And you are such an amazing combination of Beauty, Talent and Intelligence that everything you do is captivating! I look forward to seeing more great material. Thank you for sharing your truly unique musicality!
I want to start! I have a question… Do other people/animals mess up the electromagnetic field ? or is it possible to play with others around… Also I think you were vocalizing but is it possible to sing words (moving the mouth) or would that mess up the em field?
To think this instrument is over 100 years old. 1918 when it was still under the military budget, then went abroad in 1920. Such a weird and fantastic invention that easily became a musical instrument instead of its original military purposes. It has been altered and someone improved over the last century. But its essense in how it operates is still the same.
just imagine the handjobs
Such a talented and beutiful lady. Thank You for your work.
Она прекрасна
A dónde has comprado esos cuadros de los compositores ?
You are amazing!
Dope
I just realized her distinctive French accent, my French teacher has the same accent, it makes you feel like that speaking English is a chore for her
So.. I think about starting with playing the Theremin but I am a student, so I can't really afford more then 50-90 Euro.. Can you give some advice which Theremin I should buy? That would be great 🙂
Hey Carolina! – Amazing to see and try understand the musical instrument scientifically. Really, do not know If anyone practitioner in India. It is really fascinating and I loved the way you have free space to create your music just by waving and controlling physical postures! At last – I came to know about this instrument today and it was fantastic watching you! Every second of the video is worth watching… Do not know after how long practice I would be able to play my favorite song on Theremin?
Is it a good idea to play the theremin outside during a thunderstorm?
As an electric guitarist, I can say there are a few effects you missed, but as for whether they will work for the theremin, THAT I'm not sure about, as I haven't done any experimentation, 'cos I don't have a theremin…
Have you tried a wah-wah pedal?
Flanger is unnecessary, because you get the same effect by adding vibrato yourself… so adding a flanger would just decrease your ability to be accurate.
Phaser might be a fun effect to add.
A chorus pedal may give you a more uniform chorus than the delay pedal option… but it's up to you whether to determine it necessary or not, and finally, I understand how distortion and overdrive would probably just mess with your ability to use dynamics, because some of them just add too much gain.