The Theremin: The Day the Earth Stood Still

[@DevilDogDen1775]

Beyond cool..... In my estimation, The Day The Earth Stood Still is by far the benchmark for Sci Fi movies of the 50's.....

[@LVVMCMLV]

Greatest soundtrack in the history of films.

[@weikko79]

Bernard Herrmann won just one Academy Award, for a relatively little-known film called "The Devil and Daniel Webster" (1941). That same year he scored, and was nominated for, another little-know film called "Citizen Kane".

[@TIOMKIN1]

A really great example of the use of the theremin in a great motion picture. Thank you. Out.

[@charlesforbin6937]

LOVE IT..........LOVE IT..........LOVE IT..........LOVE IT..........LOVE IT..........

[@johnatyoutube]

You're fantastic! Almost a perfect recreation. It's amazing how it works! Like playing the violin in 3D space. It must take a lot of time to perfect your technique. Bravo!

[@edwardsussman1865]

Playing the Theremin, like any instrument takes extreme commitment and long hours of practice. However, it takes longer and harder practicing than most traditional instrument! Why? Because, there is no physical contact withe the instrument. Therefore, the Thereminist must learn spacial coordination. The Thereminist must learn where to place both arms, hands and fingers in the air and do it precisely when playing! Picture someone jumping up and down on one foot, patting their head with the right hand! Now rub the stomach in a circular motion with their left hand! Finally, try whistling the theme to "Star Wars"!......Got it?

[@brigantineavenuerecords665]

'The Day the Earth Stood Still' (Edmund Hall North - 1951), one the very first movies I watched as a child. Had no idea why many of us had such a visceral reaction to that sound until seeing this YT video 50+ years later. It's the human touch and connection with the Theremin we were hearing (feeling). Fascinating. Ended up watching this video (by mere chance really) while completing a music-student assignment during studies at the University of Central Florida. Thank you for your musicianship and sharing it. Exceptional. - RDB

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

It’s always a pleasure performing this piece as an important part of the Theremin’s history and allowing listeners to appreciate this rare instrument that touched so many as a of us as a child! Thanks for Internest!

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

I enjoy playing it for my audience. Those who have seen the film are rather “shocked and awed”. They have never seen how the Theremin score was played using the untouchable Theremin!

[@nonameforareason]

A REAL RCA!!! With a original speaker!!! Yay! Finally, after so many years, we are able to recreate the „Clara-Sound“ (this specific-wave form) with the Claravox, even it created digital in this machine. NONE of the others, and i have a lot of them, had THIS sound. Even the praised Etherwave Pro is not able to have THIS SOUND!!! My favorite.😍🤩🥰

[@missanthropy5808]

Love it. Amazing!

[@hebneh]

In the documentary about the Theremin, the girlfriend of the man who invented this instrument - and who became one its most skilled players - showed her annoyance at how it became this horror / sci-fi cliche after “The Day The Earth Stood Still”. I could understand her opinion but I’ll never agree with her! I’ve loved this distinctive sound from scary movies my whole life.

[@edwardsussman1865]

Scary movies and dark dramas gave the Theremin its start with Hollywood and the general public! Many theremin players have a regard for a particular choice or several choices of music when playing the Theremin.I certainly do! Clara Rockmore, the "girlfriend" of Leon Theremin as you mentioned, was a classically trained and a well known prodigy violinist. She suffered from an arm ailment that curtailed her concert violin career. She discovered the Theremin and went on to further her career playing this novel, new electronic instrument. Hence, she was able to continue playing the music she knew and loved on the Theremin! As young prodigy violinist, she was able to carryover her famous classical musicianship. She now would rise to new heights playing the Theremin for decades with the same passion, precision and emotion she possesed as a young prodigy violinist!

[@nealbradleigh5069]

I concur. It left its mark on the genre, sadly not to her satisfaction, but to the delight of millions, across generations! Thsnk.you for this anecdote!

[@fantomandjupiterx864]

Absolutely brilliant sounds like the original 😎

[@timcorcoran1577]

God I loved that movie.ita a master piece..

[@LennyJay16]

I really hope that you make more of these. I just learned about this instrument and your videos have been super informative and entertaining.

[@larryzarcoff3358]

What fun! Thanks so much Mr. Sussman!

[@stevenstair1068]

Ok , I want one of those!!!

[@carmelbronze9946]

You can tell by the music, when Gort the robot was moving. Creeeeeeepy!!😊

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

That is so cool 😎 👍🏻 never knew of such a device !

[@PaperViewOrigami]

Wonderful, the RCA "woody" is so rich and lovely sounding

[@ellesmerewildwood4858]

I suspect that listening to it here on YT doesn't do this incredible instrument justice. It must be absolutely awesome in the flesh. Thank you for uploading this music from The Day The Earth Stood Still.

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Thankyou!

[@nealbradleigh5069]

@@edwardsussman-theremin1679 Allow me to also extend my personal thanks. From the small, terrified child to the beaming, grinning adult who is affixed on your video, thank you!

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Thanks!

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

You are very kind and I welcome you to the unique and sounds of music the Theremin can create. Since the video was produced many more songs from classical to jazz from romanic to ethereal are enjoyed at my presentaions.

[@MalletManPercussion]

Absolutely wonderful! Enjoyed very much!!

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Thanks and much appreciated!

[@songofseikilos8659]

how does this work AMAZING!

[@songofseikilos8659]

WTH! thats cool!

[@anapaulasarabia935]

I'm truly amazed by this instrument. very cool!

[@axiomaddict]

Fun! I have acquaintances who are “woo-woo-ists” as I call them, believing in conspiracy hypothesese convinced that alien-driven UFO’s - or that Jesus was an Ancient Astronaut. I was trying to remember where I got the word “woo-woo” from and recalled the sound effects from old movies…and wound up here. Very cool! Thank you.

[@loutruitt7135]

Thanks, so it's called Thermin, i love it, since the 50,s

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Thanks! I have loved it since the 50"s too!

[@LFRALPHNSTUFF]

So awesome! Thank you

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Thanks, most appreciated!

[@JogLab]

Great videos! Keep em comin!

[@jamestulk5111]

One of the hardest instrument sto play. The Beach Boys used a modified unit on stage with a fake keyboard and a slider control.

[@garyarmitage9359]

Wow! Just Wow!

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@opentrunk]

I'd like to get one of these and play it out my window at 3:00 a.m.

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Well, if the neighborhood dogs don't howl at you, certainly your neighbors will yell at you!

[@axiomaddict]

On Halloween☠️👀😁

[@dannyholmes9775]

This same score was used for the 1960s show Lost In Space which starred Guy Wiilliams and June Lockheat .

[@edwardsussman1865]

In several early first season episodes of 1960's series "Lost in Space", a few Theremin snippets were used which came from "The Day the Earth Stood Still" a 20th Century Fox production. These theremin tracks were found in Fox's music library and were used for a few episodes. 20th Century Fox produced the show "Lost in Space" with Erwin Allen produced series at the time, "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea"!

[@nealbradleigh5069]

I will try to.research that, further. This WAS THE SOUND FOR ALL SCI-FI up to the intro of the synths. It literally anchored EVERY VIDEO FRAME of GORT into the minds of MILLIONS! This is tremendously informative and entertaining. Thank you. I'll seek out more videos from you!

[@davidmerlin3344]

Great

[@Elphaba1952]

BRAVO!!!!

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Thank you!

[@Elphaba1952]

@@edwardsussman-theremin1679 Thank YOU!

[@zingwilder9989]

Brilliant!!

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Thank you!

[@zingwilder9989]

@@edwardsussman-theremin1679 No sir; it is you that needs to be thanked for providing this education, "free of charge," to the public. The vast majority of the kids today have no idea the breakthrough this film and it's soundtrack made to American culture.

[@edwardsussman1865]

@@zingwilder9989 Thank You! The films of the late 40's and early 50's created a giant leap forward by combining symphonic music with an "electronic" instrument! Let us not forget the 1946 incredible score utilizing a Theremin with an orchestra... "Spellbound"! A score encompassing fear, romance and passion!

[@zingwilder9989]

@@edwardsussman1865 Indeed! It created a new genre!

[@ram64man]

Coming to an Ev soon

[@chrisbalcer4893]

Hell yea! DESS was a mind blower to an 8 yr old. Bring on the aliens...we need u more than ever.

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Aw shucks! Thanks!!

[@fwootamala]

Klaatu verata nicto, indeed.

[@johnatyoutube]

Klaatu barada nikto. Make sure you get it right. You only get one chance. 😉

[@zingwilder9989]

What a cinematic masterpiece!

[@nealbradleigh5069]

' KLAATU BARRADA NIXTO" (or something pretty close to that will hopefully stop GORT'S emergency protocol. Be sure to enunciate the BARRADA carefully- our lives depend on it)!

[@songofseikilos8659]

Edward Sussman looks like buster Keaton !

[@steverlfs]

Now do "Forbidden Planet".

[@bibifrijam]

Unfortunately, Bernard Herrmann did not win "numerous Academy awards" : he won only one, in 1947, for "The devil and Daniel Webster", a score that is now forgotten, unlike is other masterworks... which did not get any reward.

[@yonahmusicemporium5787]

missed quite a few notes but still enjoyed.

[@bibifrijam]

1:09

[@dannyholmes9775]

Wooow ! Who invented such a instrument ?

[@edwardsussman1865]

Leon Theremin

[@makipri]

Lev Termen / Leon Theremin 101 years ago.

[@edwardsussman1865]

Playing the Theremin, like any instrument takes extreme commitment and long hours of practice. However, it takes longer and harder practicing than most traditional instrument! Why? Because, there is no physical contact withe the instrument. Therefore, the Thereminist must learn spacial coordination. The Thereminist must learn where to place both arms, hands and fingers in the air and do it precisely when playing! Picture someone jumping up and down on one foot, patting their head with the right hand! Now rub the stomach in a circular motion with their left hand! Finally, try whistling the theme to "Star Wars"!......Got it?

[@zingwilder9989]

As you say sir, one must certainly become part of the instrument. It is an endeavor that is not mastered overnight! Thank you again for your brilliance!

[@provokedrobin608]

Which film was it? the 1951 or the 2008

[@edwardsussman1865]

I played on my Theremin from the 1952 ”original” score that used at times, as I described, two theremins for some thematic elements. The 2008 remake was a total flop and quickly faded away into the “ethers”! Thanks for inquiring!

[@johntonge9818]

The soundtrack is part of the genius behind "The Day The Earth Stood Still. On of the best movies ever. I have loved the movie since I was a kid watching it on TV. I have had the pleasure of seeing it on the big screen a couple of times. By the way, the remake sucked!

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

I had the opportunity to play the Theremin and excerpts from Day the Earth Stood Still at a special presentation of the film at the Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles. At the moment costar Patricia Neal entered the reception area I began playing the opening theme, she stopped dead in her tracks stunned and then smiled and walked over to me. She watched and listened intensely as I played. At the conclusion we talked and she thanked me for the wonderful surprise!

[@fibboobbif]

Is that the Original Sound of that Theremin?

[@edwardsussman-theremin1679]

Yes, it is this RCA Theremin's original sound! Samuel Hoffman's RCA Theremin was updated and augmented with more playing range and thus diverged from the the original instrument's sound and playability as you saw and heard on my video! THANKS FOR ASKING

[@billliles521]

He's too off key on much of it.

[@anthonymatter5478]

Seems off an octave

[@edwardsussman1865]

Playing the Theremin, like any instrument takes extreme commitment and long hours of practice. However, it takes longer and harder practicing than most traditional instrument! Why? Because, there is no physical contact withe the instrument. Therefore, the Thereminist must learn spacial coordination. The Thereminist must learn where to place both arms, hands and fingers in the air and do it precisely when playing! Picture someone jumping up and down on one foot, patting their head with the right hand! Now rub the stomach in a circular motion with their left hand! Finally, try whistling the theme to "Star Wars"!......Got it?