Here's a bit of video of New York thereminist Armen Ra performing on the burlesque gameshow This or That? in March 2005. The video is 46MB in MP4 format. If the main link doesn't work for you, I also found a copy on Veoh.com.
Link: Armen Ra on This or That
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That was a pretty good bit - I, along with that studio audience, really liked his version of Star Trek. It must have been quite a challenge to perform with live musicians in that setting.
I haven't been able to find much on Armen's performances on the web, so this was an especially good find. Does anyone know if he has released a CD?
Goto http://www.free-code... and download 3ivx D4 4.5.1. Install 3ivx D4 4.5.1. Then use Windows Media Player 9 and the video should play fine. You will have to select 'Any File (*.*)' in the open file dialogue box, Media Player does not include .mp4 in 'Media files (all types)'.
Hope that helps. :)
Quite an interesting technique that Armen Ra uses. He mutes his volume by plunging the palm of his hand towards the volume loop and not slapping his fingertips down as shown in the Lydia K video that comes with the E-wave standard. He uses a unique technique of spreading his fingers and turning the back of his hand towards the pitch rod. Is this the Peter P method? He does not fully extend his fingers towards the pitch antenna.
Armen turns his wrist to play closely spaced notes without utilizing an isometric grip.
So to answer your question, Armen's and Peter's techniques are different from one another.
As far as technique, it seems to be ever evolving. After I met Pamelia and she saw me play she said that I was straining needlessly, and after seeing her play I understood what she meant . Since that I have changed the way I play, and if anyone is an influence it would be Clara Rockmore since it was her videos I watched as I taught myself to play, and Pamelia for helping me fine tune it.
Anyway the game show was a lot of fun and the guys at This or That are good friends of mine and I wish them lots of success.
Fondly,
Armen Ra
P.S.
The Star Trek music is actually The Laurence Welk Orchestra! There were no musicians I was playing to old records...
For me the best way to examine my playing is by watching the show video. This one made me laugh, playing it very safe here, I usually get a little "jazzy" during the instrumental part of Fly me to the moon, however since the pro was new it seems I was not taking any chances....LOL
I would also like to thank all who participated and attended the Theremin Society event. Dorit has created an amazing event. We are aware that it could have been better organized and it will be. None of us expected it to take off as fast as it did.
Dorit and Suzanne conceived and organized this event with love, and succeeded in creating a forum for all thereminists that already has a growing audience. The diversity of this group is it's strongest point in my opinion, we are all totally different, and are excited at the possibility of meeting and collaborating with others.
"It only takes 7 Thereminists to fill a room in this town!"
Armen Ra
Thanks for your post. Was there any video of the NY Thereminist's event?
Good to hear from you.
-- Kevin
*Also Jason could you email me your email again, there is a picture I want to send you.....*
Armen Ra