What Is an Aeolian Harp?
Named for the Ancient Greek god of wind, Aeolus, aeolian harps are one of the few music instruments that needs no human touch to make sound.
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Exploring the Ondes Martenot in 7 Essential Pieces of Music
We invited master French ondist Christine Ott to talk about her beloved instrument through 7 of her favorite pieces written for it.
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5 Important Works That Call for a Theremin Soloist
You may know the theremin as the sci-fi sound of aliens and robots, but it’s been used by composers all over the world in concert music too. Let’s explore!
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606–909: The Legendary Roland Drum Machine Series
Ah, that classic beat, marching ever onward, familiar as the beat of our own hearts. But the beats we’re so consumed with, the sounds that so commonly drive our daily lives, are not only not the sound of a beating heart (a robot heart, maybe), they’re not organic sounds at all. Yes, yes, whether you like it or…
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Sounds of the Future: A Historical Primer on Synths in Sci-Fi Movies
We live in the most exciting time one could possibly hope to be alive. Every day, new aspects of our earthly existence are being discovered, advanced, and technologically exploited to further improve our experience of reality on this planet and in this universe we humbly occupy. Yet, despite these fascinating daily occurrences, we still love…
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What the Heck Is a Theremin?
The theremin is a musical instrument that is played without any contact by the performer. It was one of the first electronic instruments ever created, and later popularized by Robert Moog who designed a build-it-yourself kit version for mass consumption. It was invented and pattented in 1928 by Léon Theremin, a Russian whose actual name…
