Theremin – lecture and presentation by Tomislav Ribičić

It’s Hartera Music Festival week in Rijeka, so to be in the occasional music trend we at PEEK&POKE will present a handmade electronic musical instrument – theremin. The theremin is widely regarded as the world’s first electronic musical instrument. It’s controlled without physical contact by performer – the thereminist. The device itself is an electronic box of radio tubes with two long antennae. To produce music the musician moves hand around the antenae without touching them. The right hand’s proximity to one antenna controls the pitch of the sound and the left hand’s proximity to the other antenna controls the volume. It’s named after its inventor, Leon Theremin, who patented the device in 1928. The instrument is still used by many musicians, the most famous of which is Jean Michele Jarre.

Our DIY hardware expert, Tomislav Ribičić – Riba, made a slightly different version of the instrument, based on the design by Arthur Harrison. Tonight he will hold a lecture with a screening of a documentary on the topic. Of course, all musically gifted, and even those just curious, will be able to try this exotic instrument for themselves.

You are very welcome!