Theremin: Ether Music and Espionage

摘要: Leon Theremin led a life of flamboyant musical invention laced with daring electronic stealth. A creative genius and prolific inventor, launched the field music virtually singlehandedly in 1920 instrument that bears his name. The theremin - only is played without being touched created sensation worldwide paved way for modern synthesizer. Its otherworldly sound became familiar sci-fi films even rock music. This magical charmed millions, however, beginning story. As Soviet scientist, surrendered work to service State espionage. On assignment Depression-era America, he toast New York society worked engines capitalist commerce while passing data on U.S. industrial technology apparat.Following sudden disappearance from 1938, was exiled Siberian labor camp subsequently vanished into top-secret intelligence machine, presumed dead nearly thirty years. Using same lay behind theremin, designed bugging devices eavesdropped diplomatic offices stood at center pivotal cold war confrontation. Throughout life, developed many other wonders, including one earliest televisions multimedia anticipated performance art virtual reality by decades.In this first full biography Theremin, Albert Glinsky depicts inventor's hundred-year span as microcosm twentieth century. seen epicenter most major events century: Russian Revolution, two world wars, America's Great Depression, Stalin's purges, war, perestroika. His emerges no less than metaphor divergence communism capitalism. blends whimsical treacherous chronicle takes everything KGB Macy's store windows, Alcatraz Beach Boys, Hollywood thrillers United Nations, Joseph Stalin Shirley Temple. Theremin's espionage an amazing drama hidden loyalties, mixed motivations, irrepressibly spirit.