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Died Age: 97

source: wikipedia.org

Leon Theremin

Birthday:

27 Aug, 1896

Date of Death:

03 Nov, 1993

Cause of death:

Natural

Nationality:

AmericanSoviet

Famous As:

Engineer

Age at the time of death:

Early Life and Education

Leon Theremin was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and pursued studies in physics and astronomy at Saint Petersburg University. His academic background and early work in radio technology for the Red Army during the Russian Civil War set the foundation for his future inventions.

Invention of the Theremin

In 1920, while working on a device to measure glass density, Theremin accidentally discovered the principle behind the theremin. By manipulating the proximity of his hands to two metal antennas, he could control the pitch and volume of the sound, leading to the creation of one of the first electronic musical instruments.

Promotion of the Theremin and Global Recognition

Impressed by the theremin, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin sent Theremin on a European tour to showcase Soviet science and culture. Theremin patented his invention in several countries, including the United States, and performed concerts using the theremin, teaching it to notable musicians such as Clara Rockmore.

Life in the United States

Theremin established a laboratory in New York, where he continued his work on new inventions, including a burglar alarm and the Rhythmicon. He remained a prominent figure in the electronic music scene and collaborated with various artists and musicians during this period.

Kidnapping and Forced Labor for the Soviet Government

In 1938, Soviet agents kidnapped Theremin and brought him back to the USSR, where he was forced to work on espionage devices for the NKVD. One of his most famous inventions during this time was The Thing, a covert listening device hidden in a replica of the Great Seal of the United States.

Leon Theremin's Quote's

“There was one man who was interested in the color of music, the connection between light and music, and that was Einstein.”
“I conceived of an instrument that would create sound without using any mechanical energy, like the conductor of an orchestra. The orchestra plays mechanically, using mechanical energy; the conductor just moves his hands, and his movements have an effect on the music artistry.”

Return to Academia and Later Life

After his release from prison in 1947, Theremin was assigned to teach acoustics at the Moscow Conservatory of Music. He continued his research in electronic music and reestablished contact with former colleagues and students who had believed he was dead.

Personal Life and Family

Theremin married Maria Guschina, a ballet dancer, and had two children with her. Despite the hardships he faced, he maintained a passion for his work and his family.

Legacy and Death

Leon Theremin died in Moscow in 1993 at the age of 97. His legacy as an inventor and pioneer of electronic music lives on through his iconic instrument, the theremin, which has been used by numerous notable musicians and composers throughout the years.

Profile Snapshot

Name:

Leon Theremin

Popular Name:

Leon Theremin

Gender:

Male

Cause of Death:

Natural

Spouse:

Katia KonstantinovaLavinia WilliamsMaria Gushina

Place of Birth:

Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire

Place of Death:

Moscow, Russia

Occupation / Profession:

Engineer

Physicist

Personality Type

Advocate: Theremin was known to be a reserved and private person like most advocates. He was not known for being too loud.

Leon Theremin's Interesting Facts

Despite being a celebrated inventor in the West, Theremin was kidnapped by Soviet agents in 1938 and forced to work in a secret laboratory, where he developed eavesdropping devices for the KGB.

One of Theremin's most infamous inventions was "The Thing," a covert listening device disguised as a wooden carving of the Great Seal of the United States, which hung undetected in the U.S. ambassador's Moscow office for seven years.

Theremin invented the first electronic musical instrument that is played without physical contact, known as the theremin, which produces sound through the player's hand movements in the air around two antennas.

At the age of 95, Theremin made a triumphant return to the United States in 1991, where he was reunited with Clara Rockmore, the theremin virtuoso, and gave several concerts before returning to Russia.

Achievements & Awards