Central Ohio commissions a theremin
Daily Comfort ZoneThe earliest known electronic instrument is something of an intellectual cult.
So it’s quite a surprise to find it being played at the Central Ohio Symphony.
And this is just the beginning.
The world premiere of a symphony written for thereminist and vocalist Caroline Scruggs is happening with the Central Ohio Symphony on November 16, 2024.
Roman Carnival Overture 1843
Claude DebussyPrelude to the Afternoon of a Faun 1894
Linda KernohanTheremin Concerto 2024
Caroline Scruggs, theremin
Claude DebussyLa Mer 1905
De l’aube à midi sur la mer (From dawn to noon on the sea)
Jeux de vagues (Play of the Waves)
Dialogue du vent et de la mer (Dialogue of the wind and the sea)
It is a concerto , not a symphony.
Without competition the most idiotic piece I heard in 18 years.
The timbre of a Theremin is pretty limited; the ear quickly tires of it. Maybe a three minute work like Clara Rockmore recorded; but a whole “symphony”? Kind of like a glass harmonica, there’s just no nuance or variation in the tone.
But that is the attraction of it. I occasionally play the glass harmonica and drink the glasses afterwards. It’s always the highlight of the party!
Sally
I always knew I wanted to hear a virtuoso theraminist. Please make it stay in Central Ohio.
When you’re within 3-4 hours of Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Indy, you’ve got to make a splash somehow, I guess.
Carolyn Scruggs, in my opinion, is a virtuoso thereminist and an excellent vocalist. I’ve heard her theremin and vocal work on other online recordings. Those who attend her performances will very likely end up agreeing with me.
I recently went to hear Rózsa’s “Spellbound” piano concerto which has a prominent Theremin part.
The problem with that piece is that once that Theremin comes in, no one pays any more attention to the piano soloist.
People who take the sound of the theremin seriously, have no ears and no musical taste. Only think of the absurd contribution the instrument makes in the Turangalila symphony.
There’s no theremin in Turangalila.
True, it’s called the ondes martenot, but it’s the same system and the same inane sound:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4mIeBuTMws
No it’s not.
I’ve always thought that part was incredibly beautiful, but to each their own.