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Good Vibrations - Resonance FM host music show dedicated exclusively to the ultimate electronic oddity - the theremin

Broadcast date:

7 - 8.30pm, 90 minute show on November 3rd 2003

Media:

Streaming from the internet at: www.resonancefm.com
Broadcast on inner London regional radio 104.8FM
Further information, playlists and audio files available at: www.hypnotique.net

Show title:

Into the ether: the music of the theremin

The theremin is an instrument much maladjusted and misunderstood in 20th century musical culture. Despite being the product of one of the greatest Russian scientific minds of all time (Leon Theremin), encompassing a rich history which links the technology of two world wars, Siberian death camps, the KGB & Cold War, the New World Order of 20th century America and the first explorations of a multimedia age - the usual 'wobble and woo 1950's sci-fi movies like 'The Day the Earth Stood Still', Hitchcock's 'Spellbound' and the Beach Boys hit 'Good Vibrations' is still it's widely perceived musical use.

Scratching beneath the surface reveals a global network of at least 10,000 theremin aficionados in every continent of the world devoted to not just an unusual musical instrument but a whole new school of musical thought. Described by avant-garde composer Pierre Boulez as 'a leap into the future' and its devotees as 'the Everest of all musical instruments' for its XXX difficulty factor to play, the theremin's unusual and sensual performance method (it's the only instrument in the world you play without touching by coaxing vibrations from the ether using two antennae) has lead to much musical innovation in both composition and performance.

On the 10th anniversary of the death of Lev Tervich (also know as Leon Theremin), its genius and enigmatic inventor, 'into the ether' celebrates both a glorious life and a rich legacy through strange and beautiful theremin music from the 1930's to 2003. Hypnotique, leading exponent of virtuoso and experimental theremin music, heads an exploration of the real world of the 21st century theremin, playing music from its worldwide practitioners in USA, Japan and Europe as well as discussing its bizarre history and modern direction. Classic theremin recordings by Samuel J Hoffman and Clara Rockmore will be set against modern pieces encompassing exotica, free improvisation, surf rock, library music, classical and avant-garde compositions. 'Into the ether' celebrates the diversity and ever expanding community of worldwide devotees who are drawn to the enigma of this musical armadillo.

Hypnotique will be joined by special guest, Bruce Woolley, maverick record producer and thereminist, who heads the superb Radio Science Orchestra. They will be discussing the recent revival in London and across the world. Bruce will be introducing an interview with legendary filmmaker Steven Martin, who documentary 'Theremin - a Space Oddity' sparked this revival. The interview is specially recorded for the Into the Ether show (interview TBC).

Other highlights include the debut of 'First Moon Theremin Recital' by sound artist the Man From Uranus and 'Great Thereminists of the World' - a series of sketches for radio taking a light hearted look at the characters and personas of the eccentric characters who have evolved the instrument and what happens when they meet at the great 'ether disco' in the sky, inspired by the definitive Albert Glinsky's novel/biography "Ether Music and Espionage".

But it's not just about sitting back and listening to the transmission through the ether, you can get involved. Call up the 'Lev Hotline' anytime between October 20th and November 1st and leave a special dedication message (under 30 seconds long) to the spirit of Lev and his musical legacy and you can feature in the show. Say how his story has inspired you or how the theremin has evoked moods and sensations in your life.

Call the Lev Hotline - Tel: XXX between October 20th - Nov 1st.

After the broadcast, playlists and a special 'Into the ether' microsite will be set up for people wishing to find out more about the theremin from a global performance context, at www.hypnotique.net

For further information contact: Susi O'Neill
Tel: 07981 222799 email info@hypnotique.net