...this blog captures in order the albums as I pull these gems off the shelf and groove to them .....

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman and the Theremin (1947 - 1950)


Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman and the Theremin (1947 - 1950)

 In the late 20's Russian scientist Leon Theremin invented this very early electronic instrument based on principles of wavelengths and electronmagnetic fields....an instrument named after himself called the Theremin.  The Theremin was basically a frequency oscillator capable of emanting tones by the simple interruption and manipulation of airwaves (resistance) over 2 antennae.   It really wasn't until the late 40's that it was used in the practice of making music which is what Hoffman and Harry Nevel exactly did for Capital Records in 1947.  "Music out of the moon (1947), Perfume Set To Music (1948) and Music For Peace Of Mind (1950)  are the 3 first albums (actually 78's) that used the Theremin along side orchestration played by  Leslie Baxter and Billy May.  The end result is a very trippy and strange yet addictive musical journey into the dark abyss of Leon Theremin. 


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