Theremin (Noun)
Meaning
An electronic musical instrument; melodies can be played by moving the right hand between two rods that serve as antennas to control pitch; the left hand controls phrasing.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The spooky sound effects in the old movie were created using a theremin, giving the film its otherworldly atmosphere.
- To create the eerie soundtrack, the composer relied heavily on the theremin's unique, wavering tones.
- The theremin's unusual playing technique allowed the musician to create expressive, emotive melodies.
- In the concert, the soloist played a mesmerizing theremin piece, its soaring notes seeming to dance in the air.
- As a pioneer of electronic music, Clara Rockmore was known for her virtuosic performances on the theremin.