Claravox Centennial | “Clair de Lune” Performed by Grégoire Blanc & Orane Donnadieu

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the theremin’s invention. To celebrate the instrument that sparked a century of electronic music innovation, we present to you a new limited-edition Moog theremin: Claravox Centennial.
Set among the baroque architecture and expansive gardens of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, French musician Grégoire Blanc channels theremin marvel Clara Rockmore in a stunning Claravox Centennial performance of Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” alongside pianist Orane Donnadieu. This tribute to the timeless classical duets of Rockmore and her sister, pianist Nadia Reisenberg, captures the beauty of the theremin’s distinct tone and personality-characteristics that will continue to captivate audiences into the next century.
More about Claravox Centennial: www.moogmusic.com/products/cl...
More about Grégoire Blanc: gregoireblanc.com
SoundCloud link: / s-cc10flwvwqe
A Carpe Omnia Production
Director: Martin Neumann
Executive Producer: Corinne Weber
Producer: Marc Boubli
Steadicam Operator: Valentin Clarke
1st AC: Adrien David
2nd AC: Marion Raymond Seraille
Still Photographer: Charlotte Krieger
Sound Engineer: Alexandre Bracq
Gaffer: Victor Abadia
Electrician: Arnaud Grison
Electrician Intern: Lauranne Arrighy
Location Manager: Alexandre Beaudouin
Colorist: Thomas Canu
Mixing Engineer: Fab Dupont
Special Thanks to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte & Team, Géry Bouchez & NOD, Christophe Duquesne & La Voix du Luthier, & Pianorama

[@gblanctheremin]

I want to express here my gratitude towards Moog Music for this extraordinary instrument! I am honored to have been part of this journey! Many thanks as well to the whole crew involved in the shooting of this video, Martin is an amazing director, Orane a fantastic pianist. The "pyramid" speaker/resonator from La Voix Du Luthier was the perfect companion for the instrument in this magical space. Now, we have to make great music with this new theremin!

[@MoogSynthesizers]

❤️

[@jameslarocque5654]

Great performance. Where did you study the Theremin?

[@jean-louispech4921]

congratulation

[@pedroanjos91]

Congratulations! You are such an excellent performer. Truly amazing.

[@ernestomendozatheremin]

Congratulations Grégoire

[@EwaldK]

As a Theremin owner I know it is extremely difficult to hit the right note ‘out of the blue’. Let alone playing such a piece for 5 minutes together with a piano. So take that in consideration before you hit the order button. It takes lots of time to master the beautiful Theremin.

[@Rhythmicons]

This has a quantizer though.

[@christophejefferies522]

I don't think Grégoire is using the quantizer!

[@effyiew7318]

@@christophejefferies522 Actually it sounds like he is

[@WeirdMedicine]

you mean you don't just wave your hands around and play "ecstasy of gold"? Who knew?

[@AudiotecnaColombia]

@@effyiew7318 Double-check. The way he slides from one note to another during certain passages doesn't seem to be possible with the quantizer on

[@slooshftw726]

It’s fascinating how one hand is so fluid like a dance and the other is equally as expressive but moves so mechanically and sharp

[@floen]

We should appreciate that the camera work is brilliant and really adds to the whole performance

[@jbachman01]

All of these Moog videos look so good

[@celestwaker7848]

Woah, Grégoire Blanc all grown up! I used to listen to his original cover on repeat because it was so beautiful, what a treat to see his that his skill level has improved even more.

[@Adityakiran]

I was just practicing this song on my kalimba 4 hours ago at 12 past midnight .Suddenly, our family gets a call from the doctor that my grandmother who is 87 years old is critical. We admitted her, as she contracted COVID. The doc says to my mother, "please don't put your mother on ventilator', let her pass away peacefully . We were just rushing to the hospital to see if we could atleast get a chance to see my grandma from the ICU window one last time. Minutes later, we get a call that she is no more and we didn't get that chance. I'm just back from the hospital writing this comment and I can't hold my tears back. Clair de Lune will be my grandma's song and I will finish what I started on my kalimba and dedicate this song to her as a parting away song. Ugh! Why does it hurt so bad ! Love you to the moon granny !!!! :(((

[@deadbvnni2570]

Aw I'm so sorry this happened :( Ik its been three months so I came to check on your progress, did you ever get to finish the song? Wishing you the best

[@TknWhyBoy]

I’m sorry for you loss. Time will heal your pain but please continue to practice! Write a song or play something that makes your grandma in heaven smile.

[@mac8869]

A year later I hope you're feeling a little bit better.

[@nobodyhome3753]

That's some of the finest theremin playing i've ever heard.

[@ezzong]

Theremin can sound either like the most beautiful voice in the world or the most annoying mosquito in your ear.

[@baguettelander]

tbh i probably wouldn't mind the annoying mosquito in my ear if it played clair de lune

[@joeysmoey3004]

the most beautiful mosquito

[@drysabre2242]

Like any other instrument.

[@ivanv754]

@@drysabre2242 specially violin

[@mindlesschemical1489]

I don't know why but most of the time, I hear violin-like sounds.

[@Sam-sdh]

It was so cool to have the Moog team come and film this at my house, Great work everyone!

[@MoogSynthesizers]

😏

[@dsbmitchell]

Woah... gorgeous house, I dare say!

[@MrDschiesus]

what the... Sam?! People dont let yourselfs be fooled. Sam is my gardener! i mean... was my gardener!

[@gregestes3755]

Beautiful and inspiring. As anyone who has ever played with a Theramin knows, the amount of talent displayed here is just stunning.

[@jean-louispech4921]

i have never playing on a theremin, just with a violin when i was young, and the dog of my neighbor did not liked it. Then i can imagine how many work and talent you need to master something like he does with the theremin, while you are playing in the air, without physical reference.

[@XanderEwald]

Skill, not talent. They have worked hard to get this good.

[@RubenSainiuc]

The sound is so clean, you almost want to touch it. But on theremin it's not allowed.

[@truecuckoo]

❤️😵 so beautiful!

[@InLightVFX]

3:03 "aaand cue the birds!" ... my gosh both the music and cinematography are beautiful! Major props to the glidecam op and focus puller!

[@hollymauery346]

Gregoire did an outstanding job but can we please also appreciate and point out the phenomenal cinematography and excellent pianist

[@elijahmarshall475]

Bro’s got a siiick mustache now. Also, this is absolutely beautiful. I must admit that I’ve mostly seen the theremin at kind of a “gimmick” instrument up till now, but this has completely changed my mind. Wonderfully masterful work!!

[@tomasdahuabe]

I love that his playing kinda resembles how a cello/violin performance would sound like

[@misenplace8442]

To me, this equates to conducting an orchestra. Simply watch the hands, the subtle movements, the intensity & yet, sound's like a beautiful violin.

[@MadisonEmery]

I was able to visit the Moog factory/HQ in Asheville, NC today where I got to try my hand(s) at playing a Theremin for the first time. Although I had a lot of fun & the staff were *very* gracious, it pains me greatly to report that I did not sound like this. Like, at all. I *did* however play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (in no particular key). And I certainly didn't look as cool. But my point is, it was fun. And *you* could probably sound like this. They were very nice people. I bought a T-shirt, in case anyone was wondering.

[@blackthebanner]

that place changed my life when I visited a few years ago on tour

[@Beenthere2xs]

Thanks for giving me a new bucket list item!

[@joerichardson8596]

"Bought a t-shirt, in case anyone was wondering." HaHa! Love this

[@dsbmitchell]

@@Beenthere2xs my thoughts exactly! 😆

[@kelleh711]

This is so perfect. It sounds like "I am happy to be alive in a strange, beautiful, and sometimes sad world"

[@jaxman1235]

Never heard a Theremin played like this. It's beautiful. Amazing what can happen with a instrument in the hands of someone who knows how to play it.

[@STATXMUSIC]

I feel like I’m in the future and in the past at the same time. I like it here.

[@Syuvinya]

Grégoire Blanc's performance improved so much over 2013! Having a better theremin also really helps!

[@xino951]

holy shit the legend grew up! He even has that awesome mustache!!

[@ardiris2715]

The hardest part about practicing music is attaining that performance mindset.

[@mcmike100]

You mean stank face?

[@SquirrelMonkeyCom]

Wow, best theremin performance, I've seen.

[@leonhardlel8209]

Not sure what i am more impressed of, the moustache or the theremin

[@maximepierret-bruler4035]

My favorite piece of music played by my two favorite instruments ! 😭

[@lewisonclarke]

Just when I thought I couldn't love this composition any more than I already did... Got my eyes all hot around the edges 😢❤❤😢 Gorgeous performance

[@mfaizsyahmi]

When I saw Grégoire Blanc in the title I already know it's going to be good

[@AdamBorseti]

Brings a fockin' tear to the eye, don't it? ❤️👏🏻

[@munichdream2444]

It really does.

[@SLVMBER80s]

Fock YEAAAAAA

[@ssbr3706]

innit

[@drobertolivier]

The nuances here are amazing, the little grace notes and thrills. The white lab coat is a nice touch.

[@HahaHa-pv6zd]

Beautiful moustache, same as the music

[@ryanvoio4859]

I saw him live in NYC before the pandemic started. The visuals were trippy and his playing was outstanding. I just bought a theremin and I am struggling so much to play it, but I appreciate so much seeing people that have achieved such level of skills with this instrument. I hope in 10 years I can get there.

[@kerijan2003]

One of my favourite memories of childhood, is the one where I would fall asleep in front of the TV late at night, and wake up to the tune of “Clair de Lune” performed by Isao Tomita. Still one of my most moving memories.

[@MilkyPotsu]

man... when I went back to watch the vid from 7 years ago and saw there was an updated version on 2020, I didn't expect you to have grown so much since then. i feel sad asf now. much luv

[@happycatzf.4022]

This performance literally brings tears to my eyes listening no matter how many times I view it. From the absolute elegance of the Claravox, to the stateroom acoustics, to the absolute reverence of Orane, to the way Orane and Grégoire get lost in one of the most beautiful of Debussy’s movements. I just got my first theremin, the etherwave yesterday and can not wait to learn this fantastic instrument! Hopefully one day I’ll be good enough to be worthy of the Claravox!

[@danilocaposeno]

Wow, almost perfect intonation, and very elegant execution, this guy is born to play the Theremin.

[@shinjisan2015]

Grégoire, your mastery of this instrument over the last decade is clear. I never thought this would work when I saw your first video from 8 years ago... but now this performance is truly incredible and a wonderful tribute to the piece.

[@ActualKaktus]

You're not actually listening to the theremin. You're listening to the wind blow through his mustache.

[@gblanctheremin]

Correct.

[@paulmarchand9136]

Theremin forever, thank you Moog.

[@OIP_1]

this is like a scene from a lost science fiction classic, amazing!

[@GuitarJesse7]

Everything about this was beautiful- the theremin, the piano, the cinematography, the setting. Wow! Thank you!

[@ZalmanStern]

I have to say this sets a new standard for musical instrument introduction videos. Kudos to all involved.

[@madscientistlife]

The pianist was reluctantly impressed.

[@franzicosmos5966]

Je crois que ça fait plus de 20 fois que je reviens ici. Merci pour ce beau moment de complicité entre musiciens! Et à Debussy pour ce morceau magique!

[@fayemonk9601]

This is the most beautiful performance I have ever seen.

[@yeppy013]

My goodness, the cinematography.

[@rudolfboukal1538]

Three words that still fall short of what I just listened to: stunning, brilliant, , masterful! Thank you .... to both musicians, as each performance was individually and collectively perfect!

[@zantas-handle]

Gregoire plus Theremin = musicians and non-musicians alike in tears of joy and awe. Me plus Theremin = local dogs and cats alike throw themselves in the river.

[@AndyVonal]

Wow! That was exquisite! Could anyone else play a Theremin like that? I'm sure that level of skill takes many, many hours of practice to acquire - as it should! Delightfully played!

[@rachelsyrup]

How to play the theremin: Right hand - yanking an invisible thread. it just won't break. Left hand - gentle bongos

[@greybearmusic1174]

Made me laugh in bed when the baby was asleep!! gentle Bongos🤣

[@anvithapasam2007]

BHAHA Gently bongos 🤣

[@ryank09]

Grégoire Blanc might be the most french name ive ever heard

[@superduperstepdad]

This is stunning! Excellent work by everyone from the performers to the production team.

[@hippoge7987]

The musicality you bring to this instrument is beyond stunning.

[@esahautaniemi]

This takes me back to those times we never had

[@sn00ty2]

Love seeing my man Gregoire partnered up with Moog like this. Well deserved. One of the finest theremin players I've seen anywhere.

[@alexemery8975]

this is a slice of what I truly believe if there were a heaven it would look like

[@ThomasGrillo]

Looking forward to playing one of these, if I can EVER afford it. Congrats on the launch of this instrument, and nicely done performance. Thanks for sharing.

[@flowerswerewarpaint646]

holy shit its Thomas Grillo

[@JoleneValdovinos]

Ahhhh!! I love it ❤ I have been looking all my life for this and finally I found it💋🎶🎵

[@zachwoodyard]

This video needs, like, 2 million more views right now. The fact that it only has 250k has got to be some kind of sin.

[@justexisting184]

I didn't think he could get any better but he did

[@benjamincoggins6568]

Wow. That’s absolutely astonishing! My favourite theramin performance ever. The magic you get when a extraordinary instrument meet an extraordinary performer, via an extraordinary piece of music, all captured by extraordinary cinematography. What an incredibly special moment. Bravo to everyone involved. I am in tears.

[@reezygrizz2316]

I come back to this video at least once a month just to experience a moments peace. Thank you so much for this.

[@arthurharrison1345]

How many people can really appreciate the magnificence of this performance? It is other-worldly.

[@BodhiRook]

Wonderful and beautiful. I want to see an entire concert with this duo in this venue!

[@PanerramikVon]

Inspiring. This is why I love what Moog does.

[@Sabrewave]

Bravo! A virtuoso performance by Grégoire and Orane, plus great production by the team. I'm certain Bob will be looking down and feeling extremely appreciative of this masterful performance.

[@mylarmelodies]

ace ✋⚡👌

[@dopplerfox]

Incredible! I saw this on Twitter and I still can not get over how perfect Grégoire’s playing is! ❤️

[@astralreiseburo279]

Thats total musicality

[@ISOTROPOSPHERE]

As the proud owner of a Moog Etherwave Plus I would like to say Happy Anniversary to Lev, Bob and Clara. This piece was fantastic and the new instrument appears and sounds deserving of Claras name.

[@PaulG.x]

Beautiful. Judging by your backyard , accomplished Theremin players get well recompensed for their performances

[@llo3744]

Wow. I'm stunned by the exquisite beauty of this piece. It brings out the finest pull of joy and contemplative sorrow.

[@ayelet_t_r]

this is very beautiful and touching, the theramin is an amazing instrument but your performance is spectacular! great work!

[@RichardClarkeAdvaita]

This was so beautiful it brought tears again and again to my 77-year-old face. Bravo.

[@JDeF.39]

I have only one word here: ...WOW...🎼🎵😍🎶...

[@Beenthere2xs]

I just found out what a theremin is about an hour ago and this is the first piece of music I've heard on one. I'm in awe and now I'm spoiled. Grégoire Blanc that was magnificent. I've traveled extensively but never been to France, now I want to, that château is, sacrebleu! Also hadn't heard of La Voix du Luthier but now I hear loud and clear👂🏾 👍🏾👌🏾! Everything is so brand new I feel born again 👶😂 Thank you!

[@BruceGoren]

Magical, most virtuoso Theremin performance I've ever seen or heard.

[@michelmarcgervais5544]

Votre musicalité est magnifique ! Merci pour ceci ! C'est merveilleux !

[@TheCebulon]

What a great composition of space and music. The location and music instruments fit together so well, adding the mysterious sound of the theremin and piano it is a magical experience diving into the pictures. Thanks & Greetings from Munich, Tom.

[@time2heal]

Beyond sublime! I cried at so much beauty together. My heart is literally racing! Thank you for such an exquisite performance!

[@A1RW0LF]

What an incredible performance....So moving..

[@matthewthomas7288]

I have listened to your first version on your channel for year Grégoire, I'm up at 2 am and found this, you've done a brilliant job and honestly with the amount of joy the first version brought me, I know I'll spend hours here too. Cheers bud

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Tomita would be very proud of you. This was amazing. Thank you.

[@chumbochum]

This is absolutely incredible. One of most exquisitely beautiful performances I have ever heard. BRavo!

[@yinama2414]

It sounds like a Stradivarius violin! OMG

[@wellenstrom]

Beautiful. A recording for eternity. Words cannot describe this beauty.

[@aarondicker]

He’s certainly earned the right to wear that moustache hasn’t he?! Very pleasant

[@MrDschiesus]

Thats well put!

[@simeoncastello2721]

Happy 100th birthday to the theramin, I remember having my mind blown away as a kid when I saw a vid of someone playing one: "HOW IS IT POSSIBLE. SHE'S NOT TOUCHING ANytHing. IS THIs SORcErY"

[@jeffnolan8680]

The tone of this Theremin is just gorgeous. Incredibly smooth-sounding. I've always said the Theremin is the easiest instrument in the world to play, but the hardest instrument in the world to play WELL.

[@politesociety]

Mentioning the easiest does make me consider everything else in context. A theremin would need connecting to power turning on, but ignoring that you could technically play it by walking past/not touching it, but it also requires two hands to play. Whereas an acoustic piano can be played with one finger as soon as you walk up. Or our voices are technically something we all use pretty much since birth. What else could compare to that? Thanks, I enjoyed thinking about that for a bit.

[@SakamotoIbuki]

Even if I was given the opportunity to try playing the theremin, I wouldn't know what to do. How much practice this takes makes me shed a tear of joy, to see it in action with this beautiful rendition of the timeless piece. Expertly played. I am entranced by the haunting sound, the softness with which it moves between notes. Given this bad year for many, this little respite that you offer is greatly appreciated. Beautiful camera work, too. A wonderful piece.

[@DavidBoycePiano]

Wow! Une performance musicale d'un tel raffinement. Ce glissando à 2m00! Et ces notes élevées. Nous savions déjà que Monsieur Blanc était un Therministe d'une virtuosité et d'une musicalité inégalées, et en plus ce modèle de Thermin semble vraiment excellent.

[@wastedexperience]

i think this is the best theremin performance i ever heard tbh

[@gcoller]

I'll never take the time to learn how to play the theremin but I really enjoyed this video after a frustrating day at work. Just so peaceful. I hope it inspires others to give it a go.

[@gNatflaps]

nothing brings me quite so much joy as to hear Debussy played on synthesizers

[@adamkoi8028]

Wow, good to see you not only haven't abandoned the instrument but made a great progress trhough these years. Your 2013 performance of the piece was already an interesting and new approach (for me), but this performance is truly artistic in every sense of the word. Thank you!

[@CharlieDraper]

YESSSSSSSSSSSS! Thank you Robert Moog, thank you Moog Music, thank you Grégoire! Our prayers are answered!

[@131T3M3]

Didn't think a theremin could sound this good. Amazing.

[@ryanharner3964]

This is absolutely stunning. My heart is so full right now after listening to this!

[@orfeassiozos1575]

Wonderful performance 😍 and I've gotta say you've had quite the glowup over 7 years