Theremin
Theremín
- Date
- 1920 · confidence high
- Place
- Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Credited to
- Lev Termen (Leon Theremin)
- Field
- Matter & energy
What it is
Russian physicist Lev Termen invents an electronic musical instrument played without touching it: two antennas detect the performer's hand position to control pitch and volume.
Termen patented the theremin in the United States in 1928 after touring Europe demonstrating the instrument.
What it led to
- First commercially successful electronic musical instrument
- Contactless electric-field control interfaces
- Use in film soundtracks (science fiction, horror)