Thereminist's vocal ability while playing.

Posted: 2/1/2023 4:35:59 PM
clararox

Joined: 6/7/2022



It seems Carolina Eyck may be the only thereminist at present that demonstrates her vocal abilities while playing, though with looping. Curious to know if it's possible to attain quality vocals straight from musician's throat, without the aid of loops? Does theremin-posture, necessary for precise note playing, stiffen you? I'd tried before myself and it's weird. You'd think somebody would be capable of this, yet, so far .....

Posted: 2/2/2023 6:40:01 AM
DreadVox

From: The East of the Netherlands

Joined: 6/18/2019

It is possible, but very challenging, it feels a bit like siging with two voices at once. Something to begin with would be things like singing a (semi) random note and then matching the pitch on the theremi and vice versa. Next suggested excercises would be humming or singing while playing the same melody line on the theremin; holding a steady pitch with the voice, maybe varying the voice timbre ad/or siging overtones, playing melody / melodic improv on the theremin, ad holding a steady pitch, perhaps just varying the volume and singing improvisation over that. 

Singing a melody and playing a second voice on the theremin simultaneously would be the advanced thing to practice toward, and I don't know if anyone has yet been able to demonstrate that, but it feels like possible when one keeps on trying and practicing enough.

Somewhat related, mainly in the beginning phases of learning to play the theremin I found myself involuntarily moving my mouth (subvocalising) and tensing my throat (trying to correct off-pitch notes), often mimicking singing without actually engaging the vocal chords. It felt like the brain/nerve area/connections/circuitry that control the vocal cords/tract and those of my arm/hand and to an extent to the whole body posture where getting rewired / connected.

I think I've heard/seen both Dorit Chysler and Clara Venice sing and play theremin simultaneously, but it might have been more 'swoops' / atmospheric effects and not so much precision playing of melody lines.

Posted: 2/2/2023 8:40:16 PM
bendra

From: Portland, Oregon

Joined: 2/22/2018

Maybe not quite what you had in mind, but you might like this:

 

The performer is a professional musician, YMMV trying this at home

Posted: 2/3/2023 3:25:59 AM
oldtemecula

From: 60 Miles North of San Diego, CA

Joined: 10/1/2014


Seems most appropriate as Peter Pringle, this musician, seems to have gone away?

Posted: 2/3/2023 5:48:27 PM
Martel

From: Russia

Joined: 9/8/2016

[justify]

Code:
https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Pringle

Pringle released a compilation album, Comme j'étais - comme je suis!, in 1996,
and then retired from recording or performing pop music.
By 1998, Pringle began to reemerge as a theremin.
He has released two independent albums of theremin music, has performed on the
instrument both in solo shows , and with the Montreal Chamber Orchestra
and has released a number of  videos of his performances of both classical and
modern pieces on the instrument.
Discography:[/justify]
[justify].....................................[/justify]

Posted: 2/3/2023 10:54:04 PM
clararox

Joined: 6/7/2022

"It is possible, but very challenging, it feels a bit like singing with two voices at once."

"Singing a melody and playing a second voice on the theremin simultaneously would be the advanced thing to practice toward, and I don't know if anyone has yet been able to demonstrate that, but it feels like possible when one keeps on trying and practicing enough. Somewhat related, mainly in the beginning phases of learning to play the theremin I found myself involuntarily moving my mouth (subvocalising) and tensing my throat (trying to correct off-pitch notes), often mimicking singing without actually engaging the vocal chords. It felt like the brain/nerve area/connections/circuitry that control the vocal cords/tract and those of my arm/hand and to an extent to the whole body posture where getting rewired / connected.I think I've heard/seen both Dorit Chysler and Clara Venice sing and play theremin simultaneously, but it might have been more 'swoops' / atmospheric effects and not so much precision playing of melody lines."


Yes, when I first attempted, it was "Great Gig in the Sky." I felt a compulsion to since throat wanted to! ☺ So I absolutely get that and the v-chords, too!

Wanted to thank you, DreadVox, for your useful information! It was also cool to hear of similar experiences!


Posted: 2/3/2023 11:23:13 PM
clararox

Joined: 6/7/2022

The style I noticed Peter using in "D L t S G D o M" was during vibratos. [B.B. King comes to mind, because his guitar w/ vocals style was very similar.] Does momentarily fool the listener, but if you only watch pitch hand ...

Still appreciate your participation(s)! Bendra first and all others! 😊 Martel.

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