Clara Rockmore was a virtuoso performer of the theremin, an early electronic musical instrument that is played without physical contact. Born in Vilnius, Lithuania on March 9, 1911, she emigrated to the United States with her family at a young age. A child prodigy on the violin, Clara had to abandon the instrument due to physical strain and eventually discovered the theremin, which she played using precise and controlled movements of her hands in the air around its antennas. Under the guidance of the instrument's inventor, Léon Theremin, she developed a unique technique and became its most celebrated performer.

Rockmore's mastery of the theremin transformed it from a novelty into a serious concert instrument. She performed with leading orchestras, gave solo recitals, and worked closely with composers to expand the theremin's repertoire. Her approach emphasized the expressive capabilities of the theremin, often drawing comparisons to the human voice. Clara's influence on the music world continued to resonate long after she stopped performing publicly. Her recordings, such as "Music In and On The Air" and "Rachmaninov, S.: Vocalise / Saint-Saens, C.: Le Cygne / Falla, M.: El Amor Brujo / Achron, J.: Hebrew Melody (The Art of the Theremin)," remain definitive examples of theremin playing. Clara Rockmore passed away on May 10, 1998, but her legacy endures, enchanting new generations of music lovers and inspiring contemporary musicians to explore the theremin's ethereal sound.

Genres

Laboratorio

Theremin

Latest Release

Music and Memories: Clara Rockmore (Bonus Album)

Clara Rockmore

Album - 11 Tracks - Released October 15, 2020