AETHERPHON, global theremin family

Kevin - you will not be disappointed by the Takeuchi CD I can assure you.
I had the great fortune to do two shows with him last year in London
(complete with the 17 piece Mable orchestra of Matryiomin players - baby
theremins in the shape of Russian dolls!) - it was an awesome experience.
http://www.mandarinelectron.com/theremin/english/matryomin/index.html

  I was also gifted to have a short impromptu lesson in his hotel room (in
front of the girls from the Mable orchestra - no pressure then!).  He plays
a Moog Series 91, which is, I think, a difficult instrument to play but he
has such intuition, grace and skill!  I think for classical music, he is the
best there is - anywhere.  the classical music in the show sent a shiver
down my spine. It's a real shame because of trading and language barriers
it's not so easy to access his music.  He told me in Japan he has 3000
students (or has had) and the Matryiomin is more popular an instrument to
play than the ordinary theremin - particularly for young girls.  The
Japanese are studious and dedicated to their art - no mucking around!  The
theremin is taken very seriously there. I really hope to have the
opportunity to go to Japan soon to play with them again.

PS - He is interested in selling the Matryiomin in other territories...the
only problem is, it is very expensive for what people will be willing to pay
in West - he cited $250 US as dealer price...perhaps he will come down if he
has old stock to shift, or to enter the market.  Any music equipment
retailers interested in taking on discussion?  I can make an introduction.
-- 
Susi
(aka Ms Hypnotique)
Tel: 07981 222799

http://www.hypnotique.net
http://www.lunette.co.uk
http://www.babyslave.net

See our blog: http://www.babyslave.wordpress.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We really need to get him over here in the US to perform as well.
I wish I was rich and famous and knew how to produce such things to get
both of you a gig in New York.

I bought his book which, though I cannot read the text, is filled with
pictures, exercises and beginner repertory along with a practice CD for all
of them and even has an applause track for when you achieve living room
concert levels.  The I couldn't use the Kavina wrist up technique exactly as
he requires it, but it all adapted quickly to the Rockmore style that's less
painful for me.  I found it very helpful and the pedagogy is excellent,
especially his approach of starting with big intervals first and working
down to discrete scales

I've been dreaming of going to Japan as well and getting immersed in the
Theremin Culture there, it sure *seems* a lot richer than it is here.  Maybe
he will join this list someday, I'd love to have a more open connection with
Japan and the rest of Asia both personally and on ThereminWorld, but
language seems the biggest problem, I never did find an English
writing member of The Friends of the Theremin.

So let me add my call for international tour producers and Japanese contacts
to Suzi's.
Thanks for the info!

Skol - John
www.hoge-theremin.com


On 10/16/07, Lunette Records <lunetterecords@...> wrote:
>
>   Kevin - you will not be disappointed by the Takeuchi CD I can assure
> you.
> I had the great fortune to do two shows with him last year in London
> (complete with the 17 piece Mable orchestra of Matryiomin players - baby
> theremins in the shape of Russian dolls!) - it was an awesome experience.
> http://www.mandarinelectron.com/theremin/english/matryomin/index.html
>
> I was also gifted to have a short impromptu lesson in his hotel room (in
> front of the girls from the Mable orchestra - no pressure then!). He plays
>
> a Moog Series 91, which is, I think, a difficult instrument to play but he
> has such intuition, grace and skill! I think for classical music, he is
> the
> best there is - anywhere. the classical music in the show sent a shiver
> down my spine. It's a real shame because of trading and language barriers
> it's not so easy to access his music. He told me in Japan he has 3000
> students (or has had) and the Matryiomin is more popular an instrument to
> play than the ordinary theremin - particularly for young girls. The
> Japanese are studious and dedicated to their art - no mucking around! The
> theremin is taken very seriously there. I really hope to have the
> opportunity to go to Japan soon to play with them again.
>
> PS - He is interested in selling the Matryiomin in other territories...the
> only problem is, it is very expensive for what people will be willing to
> pay
> in West - he cited $250 US as dealer price...perhaps he will come down if
> he
> has old stock to shift, or to enter the market. Any music equipment
> retailers interested in taking on discussion? I can make an introduction.
> --
> Susi
> (aka Ms Hypnotique)
> Tel: 07981 222799
>
> http://www.hypnotique.net
> http://www.lunette.co.uk
> http://www.babyslave.net
>
> See our blog: http://www.babyslave.wordpress.com
> .
>
> 
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Quoting Lunette Records <lunetterecords@...>:

> Kevin - you will not be disappointed by the Takeuchi CD I can assure you.
> I had the great fortune to do two shows with him last year in London
> (complete with the 17 piece Mable orchestra of Matryiomin players - baby
> theremins in the shape of Russian dolls!) - it was an awesome experience.
> http://www.mandarinelectron.com/theremin/english/matryomin/index.html
>
I remember reading about the show and watching the link of the Mable
orchestra.  I imagine that the video doesn't do the sound justice --
the ensemble probably sounds rich in person.
>
>   I was also gifted to have a short impromptu lesson in his hotel room (in
> front of the girls from the Mable orchestra - no pressure then!).  He plays
> a Moog Series 91, which is, I think, a difficult instrument to play but he
> has such intuition, grace and skill!
>
What a great experience!  As a result of the lesson are you doing
anythings differently than before?  How is he as an instructor?  My
guess is that he would be polite and demanding.  I would jump at an
opportunity for a lesson or master class with Masami.
>
> I think for classical music, he is the
> best there is - anywhere.  the classical music in the show sent a shiver
> down my spine.
>
When hearing him play, one forgets the "novelty" of the theremin and
hears beautiful music.
>
> The
> Japanese are studious and dedicated to their art - no mucking around!  The
> theremin is taken very seriously there. I really hope to have the
> opportunity to go to Japan soon to play with them again.
>
Do you think the theremin has moved into the Japanese mainstream  
consciousness or is it still regarded as a novelty?

Incidentally, I find in the USA that most folks (outside of electronic  
music circles) have not heard of the theremin -- therefore it is  
neither mainstream or novelty.  When people hear the theremin played  
beautifully (classical or otherwise) I believe it makes friends for  
the instrument.  I would like to think that there is more to it than  
just the novel "played without touching" thing -- that the music  
itself and the theremin's unique expressiveness has appeal.
>
> PS - He is interested in selling the Matryiomin in other territories...the
> only problem is, it is very expensive for what people will be willing to pay
> in West - he cited $250 US as dealer price...
>
Yep, kinda pricey for me for a pitch-only instrument.

However, my lil' red pitch-only theremin is on the way!  :)

-- Kevin