Tones of New Stringless Cello Generated by Electricity (May, 1932)

Tones of New Stringless Cello Generated by Electricity

AN ELECTRIC cello without strings capable of producing tremendous volume and exquisite tone has been invented by Leon Theremin, who is shown in the photo on the left demonstrating how his new instrument is played.

Tones are varied by running the fingers of the left hand up and down the heavy black line which replaces the strings, while the right hand works the pump to control the volume.

An external oscillator, amplifier and loud speaker are used with this cello and the tones are generated by the oscillating tubes in the instrument. As the fingers are run up and down the black line, under which a coil is concealed, the player varies the capacity of the circuit which alters the frequency, or pitch, of the oscillating tubes.

Theremin Orchestra at Carnegie Hall - circa 1932

In the 1930s Leon Theremin set up a laboratory in New York. There he further developed the theremin and experimented with other electronic musical instruments. In 1930 he demonstrated ten theremins on the concert stage at Carnegie Hall, and in 1932 he conducted the first-ever electronic orchestra there, featuring the theremin and the Rhythmicon and the Fingerboard Theremin, also known as the Theremin Cello, detailed on the next page. Theremins associates during this time were societys foremost scientists, composers, and musical theorists, including composer Joseph Schillinger and famous physicist (and classical violinist) Albert Einstein.