Albert Einstein and the Theremin: A Meeting of Physicists and Musicians
Philip Page, The Evening Standard, 29 September 1927
On 26 September 1927, a unique event at the Bechstein Hall in Berlin marked a notable intersection between science and music, as physicist Albert Einstein attended a demonstration of the theremin—an electronic musical instrument played without physical contact. This article explores Einstein's thoughts on the theremin, as well as the broader implications of the encounter.
The theremin, invented by Russian physicist and musician Leon Theremin in 1920, produces eerie and ethereal sounds, which intrigued the audience, including Einstein. According to Philip Page in the Evening Standard, the concert emphasized the science behind the music and avoided theatrical showmanship. The audience was comprised of various luminaries, such as Gerhart Hauptmann, Leo Slezak, and Bruno Walter.
During the demonstration, Einstein helped Professor Theremin by suggesting the correct German word when his presentation faltered. Afterwards, he discussed the theremin and its historical context. He noted that Jorg Mager, a German inventor, had previously experimented with producing notes through electrical vibrations with a device called the "Sphärophon." However, Mager's invention remained in the experimental phase, while Theremin successfully adapted the concept into a playable instrument.
Einstein acknowledged the theremin's unique tonal qualities, stating that “the clear tone ringing through space is really a new phenomena. It is a neutral tone which affects our nerves forcibly." Nevertheless, he also expressed concerns about the instrument's potential challenges, indicating that its sensitivity could be problematic. He predicted that the theremin might face opposition, even suggesting that in England, it could be criticized for its lack of visible means of support.
The meeting between Einstein and the theremin represents an intriguing intersection of science, music, and innovation. As an accomplished violinist, Einstein was familiar with the emotional aspects of music, and his encounter with the theremin serves as an example of how scientific curiosity can lead to novel musical experiences. It is also interesting to note that many of Einstein’s predictions about the theremin’s difficulty posing problems for its widespread adoption. While Theremin would later recall New York encounters with Einstein, and despite other articles claiming the two went on to interact in the city, these are likely conflations with Alfred Einstein (the musicologist) or even Joseph Schillinger (the compositional theorist)—as far as contemporary sources go, this is the only documented occasion on which Albert Einstein and Leon Theremin appear to have met.
Over time, the theremin has influenced a wide range of musical genres and continues to fascinate audiences worldwide. The event at Bechstein Hall, which brought together two groundbreaking minds, exemplifies the interconnectivity between science, music, and human curiosity.
Philip Page, The Evening Standard, 30 September 1927