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Jan. 9th, 2009 08:58 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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davis_squareNot directly related to Davis Square, but arguably relevant because of this post. Mods, if you don't agree, please delete.
As part of their Science on Screen series, Coolidge Corner Theater will be showing Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey Monday, January 19 at 7:00PM.
With intro and Q&A TOD MACHOVER, MIT Professor of Music and Media
Plus a short performance by orchestral thereminist DALIT HADASS WARSHAW
$9.75 general / $7.75 for students, seniors, and Museum of Science members / FREE for Coolidge members
Leon Theremin made music as strange as the life he lived. In 1918, using newly discovered vacuum-tube technology, the Russian-born scientist invented a musical instrument unlike any the world had seen before: one that utilizes electronic oscillation to produce its sound and is played entirely without human contact. Theremin toured the United States and Europe giving public recitals, and became the toast of New York City's artists and intellectuals during the roaring '20s, rubbing elbows with such luminaries as Albert Einstein and Dwight D. Eisenhower. But in 1938, at the height of his promising career in the U.S., Theremin mysteriously disappeared. Decades later, it was discovered he had been abducted by KGB agents and interred in a Russian prison camp to be "rehabilitated." Later, Theremin even developed pioneering spy technology for Stalin's regime during the Cold War.
Over the years, the ethereal, otherworldly sounds of the theremin became the backdrop to scores of science fiction and horror films (particularly in the ‘50s), and have inspired numerous musicians, from the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson to synthesizer pioneer Robert Moog. Director Steven Martin's documentary, THEREMIN: AN ELECTRONIC ODYSSEY, deftly explores the remarkable story of Theremin the man, and traces the lasting influence of his work. (1994, 1h23m)
While there have been no KGB abductions in his background (at least not that we know of), Tod Machover is himself a remarkable figure in the worlds of music and technology. He has pioneered many new technologies for music, most notably his Hyperinstruments that use smart computers to augment musical expression and creativity. He has designed Hyperinstruments for some of the world's greatest musicians, from Yo-Yo Ma to Prince, as well as for the general public, for children, and for use in a variety of healthcare contexts. In addition, the video game sensation GUITAR HERO was invented by two of Machover’s students, growing out of technology developed in his Lab.
Machover is widely recognized as one of the most significant and innovative composers of his generation. His music has been acclaimed for breaking traditional artistic and cultural boundaries, offering a unique synthesis of acoustic and electronic sound. Machover’s compositions have been commissioned and performed by many of the world's most prestigious ensembles and soloists. His latest opera, SKELLIG, garnered rave reviews and standing ovations at its UK premiere performances in November 2008. Machover has been professor of Music and Media at the MIT Media Lab since it was founded in 1985, and is also Visiting Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Dalit Hadass Warshaw is a full-time faculty member in the composition/theory department at the Boston Conservatory, and has studied with renowned thereminist Clara Rockmore, who is featured in the documentary. Ms Warshaw has appeared as an orchestral thereminist with the New York Philharmonic, the American Composers Orchestra, the Eos Ensemble and, most recently, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic.
Tickets available online: www.coolidge.org
Edit: D'oh! I just saw that information about this was posted at the end of the original Theremin thread.
As part of their Science on Screen series, Coolidge Corner Theater will be showing Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey Monday, January 19 at 7:00PM.
With intro and Q&A TOD MACHOVER, MIT Professor of Music and Media
Plus a short performance by orchestral thereminist DALIT HADASS WARSHAW
$9.75 general / $7.75 for students, seniors, and Museum of Science members / FREE for Coolidge members
Leon Theremin made music as strange as the life he lived. In 1918, using newly discovered vacuum-tube technology, the Russian-born scientist invented a musical instrument unlike any the world had seen before: one that utilizes electronic oscillation to produce its sound and is played entirely without human contact. Theremin toured the United States and Europe giving public recitals, and became the toast of New York City's artists and intellectuals during the roaring '20s, rubbing elbows with such luminaries as Albert Einstein and Dwight D. Eisenhower. But in 1938, at the height of his promising career in the U.S., Theremin mysteriously disappeared. Decades later, it was discovered he had been abducted by KGB agents and interred in a Russian prison camp to be "rehabilitated." Later, Theremin even developed pioneering spy technology for Stalin's regime during the Cold War.
Over the years, the ethereal, otherworldly sounds of the theremin became the backdrop to scores of science fiction and horror films (particularly in the ‘50s), and have inspired numerous musicians, from the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson to synthesizer pioneer Robert Moog. Director Steven Martin's documentary, THEREMIN: AN ELECTRONIC ODYSSEY, deftly explores the remarkable story of Theremin the man, and traces the lasting influence of his work. (1994, 1h23m)
While there have been no KGB abductions in his background (at least not that we know of), Tod Machover is himself a remarkable figure in the worlds of music and technology. He has pioneered many new technologies for music, most notably his Hyperinstruments that use smart computers to augment musical expression and creativity. He has designed Hyperinstruments for some of the world's greatest musicians, from Yo-Yo Ma to Prince, as well as for the general public, for children, and for use in a variety of healthcare contexts. In addition, the video game sensation GUITAR HERO was invented by two of Machover’s students, growing out of technology developed in his Lab.
Machover is widely recognized as one of the most significant and innovative composers of his generation. His music has been acclaimed for breaking traditional artistic and cultural boundaries, offering a unique synthesis of acoustic and electronic sound. Machover’s compositions have been commissioned and performed by many of the world's most prestigious ensembles and soloists. His latest opera, SKELLIG, garnered rave reviews and standing ovations at its UK premiere performances in November 2008. Machover has been professor of Music and Media at the MIT Media Lab since it was founded in 1985, and is also Visiting Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Dalit Hadass Warshaw is a full-time faculty member in the composition/theory department at the Boston Conservatory, and has studied with renowned thereminist Clara Rockmore, who is featured in the documentary. Ms Warshaw has appeared as an orchestral thereminist with the New York Philharmonic, the American Composers Orchestra, the Eos Ensemble and, most recently, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic.
Tickets available online: www.coolidge.org
Edit: D'oh! I just saw that information about this was posted at the end of the original Theremin thread.
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Date: 2009-01-09 02:15 pm (UTC)Wow!
Date: 2009-01-09 03:18 pm (UTC)I'll make it more relevant
Date: 2009-01-09 05:44 pm (UTC)Re: I'll make it more relevant
Date: 2009-01-09 06:06 pm (UTC)Re: I'll make it more relevant
Date: 2009-01-09 07:55 pm (UTC)