Clara Rockmore - The Art Of The Theremin
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Free Music Notes for The Art Of The Theremin
Free Music Review: Absolutely stunning technique
Hit: 5 Stars
Rockmore's control over this exceedingly difficult instrument is almost superhuman. Each note is perfectly shaped, and the transitions between notes are as clean as on a conventional instrument. This is due to Rockmore's mastery of "aerial fingering," explained in the enclosed booklet, a fiendishly difficult technique in which she rapidly moved her left hand into the volume control antenna to silence the instrument for the brief moment while she moved her right hand to the next note. This is accomplished smoothly and flawlessly, with no discernable intervening pitches. The instrument sounds at times like a violin, other times resembling the human voice, especially in the higher registers.
My only qualm with this CD is that there is not enough variety between the pieces chosen. The similar tempos and styles render them virtually indistinguishable. Approaching the CD as a 64-minute surreal meditation, rather than 14 distinct compositions would probably help. In any case, the playing is so phenomenal as to eclipse any criticism of the chosen program.
The enclosed article by Robert Moog covers the careers of both Rockmore and Theremin, with a history of the instrument and a detailed description of its operation.
Free Music Review: Stunning work; essential recording of this instrument
Hit: 5 Stars
This is, in my opinion, THE theremin recording to have in your collection. Ms. Rockmore's touch on the instrument is unbelievable. Her command of dynamics and pitch on this notoriously difficult instrument is impeccable, all the more considering that this was recorded when she was 76 years old! We can only wonder what it was like to see and hear her in the 1930s and 1940s, when Ms. Rockmore played the Theremin as a soloist with symphony orchestras. On this recording, she is only accompanied by the sensitive piano playing of her sister, Nadia Reisenberg. The result is a quiet, intimate recording that ably showcases Ms. Rockmore's ability to serve the music through the instrument she so obviously loved. Ms. Rockmore treats the music with the touch of a true virtuosa. On any instrument, a performance this good would be amazing. On the theremin, the music attains a magical quality that's impossible to describe in words.
This is far from a novelty recording, and should be in the collection of any serious music lover.
Free Music Review: a family member's perspective
Hit: 5 Stars
As a family member, I will not write a review of this album but rather provide a reflection upon Clara and her sister the pianist Nadia Reisenberg who perform together on this album. Even as a young kid sitting in Clara's Manhattan living room while the two sisters practiced these and other pieces, I was aware of the love between them that infuses every measure of what you hear. Clara and Nadia were musically inseparable. With the perennial Russian teas and cakes adding an aromatic backdrop, the ethereal sounds created a sensory-scape that could only be forged through long lives of shared love, respect and understanding between two people. This album represents much more than two virtuosi at the peak of their careers. This album is about connection between two people and the music they love, and between one another. Perhaps, this is a less known reason why people respond so emotionally to this album. I have witnessed how the music and the emotions that helped to create it are one and the same. Enjoy.Free Music Review: Clara Rockmore and the Theramin
Hit: 5 Stars
Imagine a virtuoso soprano with an unlimited upper range. Imagine a violin with the lower range of a cello. Imagine an instrument that allows for every nuance, for every slight embellishment, for every dynamic flourishment imaginiable.This album consists of plain piano and plain theramin - no other orchestration.
The Theramin, as proved by Clara Rockmore, is capable of soaring song, of delicate melody, of pure expression.
Rockmore's performance is a pure joy and a testament to the versatility of the instrument. When she takes off in the higher registers, the only thing missing is diction. But she more than amply supplies it with her exploration of all the registers this instrument is capable of - she is also capable of exploring the theramin as a contralto.
This is an extraordinary album and well worth the price paid. Were it not for synthesizers and whatnot, the theramin would be envied as an instrument for virtuoso musicians.
Free Music Review: Elegance and precision
Hit: 5 Stars
The theramin is, without question, the most difficult instrument in the world to play. Consider: since its invention in 1928 and commercial release in the early 1930s, only one musician - Clara Rockmore - has been able to produce any real music on it. Her performances are spellbinding and, if one sometimes years for, say, a whole sonata or something more substantial than encore pieces, think of how difficult it is to play ANYTHING on this instrument and be glad that we at least have this much.
A one-of-a-kind disc of a one-of-a-kind performer. If you like the samples you can hear on this site. by all means buy it.