Many of us were introduced to Clara Rockmore by the 1991 documentary, Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey. In the film, we see brief clips of Clara's 18th birthday party where she interacts with a rotating birthday cake (controlled by the same principal as a theremin) made for her by Leon Theremin. We also see her performing at the memorial service of her sister, Nadia Risenberg.
Clara was a strong proponent of the use of the theremin for classical music. Her recording, "The Art of the Theremin" continues to astound and inspire a new generation of upcoming theremin players today.
Fortunately for theremin players everywhere, Clara also left behind a video interview, recorded in 1976 (available from Moog Music) and a theremin method book.
As you're practicing today, please take a moment to remember Clara and her mastery of the instrument we all love.
If anyone has a theremin rendition of "Happy Birthday" they'd like to share, please let me know.
