The Case:
A man from Santa Fe, New Mexico bought a theremin off e-Bay. If you’ve never seen a theremin, you’ve undoubtedly heard one. One of the first electronic instruments, and the only instrument played without touching, the theremin makes eerie, ethereal music, the kind that creates uncertainty and suspense in movie sound tracks. Robert Moog, creator of the electric synthesizer, called the theremin “a vital cornerstone of our contemporary music technology.”
When his theremin arrived, our contributor was excited to find an unusual document tacked to the inside of the cabinet. The letterhead paper bore the address to the Theremin Studios in New York City.
Does our contributor have one of the fewer than a dozen instruments in the U.S. that Leon Theremin built himself?
History Detectives travels to the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah, New York to consult with experts and find out whether this strange instrument helped spark a rock n’ roll revolution.
Related Content
Video:
Video:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Stalag 17 Portrait
What happened to the artist of this portrait made in a German POW camp?
-
Related Investigation
The Ni'ihau Incident
What do these metal parts reveal about the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Rogue Book
Who did this book of rogue characters belong to?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Lucy Parson's Book
Was the legendary anarchist the owner of this manifesto found in a library?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Hitler Films
Could these rusting film canisters contain unknown footage of one of the 20th century's most heinous murderers?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Chicago Clock
What role did this clock play in keeping 19th century America running on time?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.