AETHERPHON, global theremin family

thanks for all the interesting posts about Masami.

> 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.

It was quite inpromptu and short.  we worked on The Swan.  He said I must
learn to create smooth movements with my left hand - this is his secret - he
is extrodinary at shaping the expression of the sound in a ever evolving
arc.  His skills is in smooth melodies - I dont' think he would play a
Pamelia Kurstin stacatto. But also I think this is partly to do with the
Series 91 - it's not great for articulation.  Incidentally, this is the most
sought after instrument in Japan - Masami believes it is the best Moog
instrument.  If you have one, you will get big bucks from a seller there.
He is very polite and demanding, but not strict (or not as strict and sharp
as Lydia Kavina) - a gentleman teacher!

Incidentally, he speaks very good, moderate English.  But I dont' think he
is able to write too well. this is more difficult.

Do you think the theremin has moved into the Japanese mainstream
consciousness or is it still regarded as a novelty?

whereas I dont' think it is 'mainstream' as such, the Japanese do not have
the same distinction between novely and kitsch and everything else as in the
West.  The Mable performers are all serious at their study, even of this
pitch only instrument.  the 'theremin as novelty' in TV and radio, I think,
would not exist in Japan.  It would be accepted and admired for what it is.

My hope is there could be an international event, like the theremin
symposium, in Japan one day that would link the practice there with the rest
of the world.  There are many, particularly in USA, who are too dissmissive
of Masami and what they are doing in Japan.

He also makes theremin playing fun!
-- 
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@...>:
>
> My hope is there could be an international event, like the theremin
> symposium, in Japan one day that would link the practice there with the rest
> of the world.  There are many, particularly in USA, who are too dissmissive
> of Masami and what they are doing in Japan.
>
In discussions about classical thereminists Masami's name doesn't come  
up as often as it deserves to.  For those of us who are interested in  
tonal music on the theremin, Masami offers yet another approach to the  
craft.  He may be one of the most nuanced and subtle players around.
>
> He also makes theremin playing fun!
>
Anyone who can write and play something called "Torpedo" knows how to  
have a good time.  I'm not sure how he came up with the title for such  
a good-humored work.

-- Kevin

Thank you so much Suzi for sharing more of your experiences.
This USA resident, for one, would never dismiss him.  I hope it is just the
lack of availability and access to his recording that's causing that
impression here.

I'm glad you pointed out his volume hand technique.  The brief video I saw
of him indicated he plays a very large distance over the loop and uses
extremely smooth almost continuous motions, the fact that notes and phrases
were so articulated was mysterious while watching him.

We desperately need more instructors everywhere.
Was he accepting of different pitch hand styles, or did it seem that he
would only instruct in his style?
What was Lydia like in that respect?

I want to meet more thereminsts and would love to study, but would have to
think long and hard before totally starting over and discarding the
functional technique I've gained so far.

Participating in an international conference would be a dream come true!

much appreciated,

John Hoge, NYC
www.hoge-theremin.com

On 10/17/07, Lunette Records <lunetterecords@...> wrote:
>
>   thanks for all the interesting posts about Masami.
>
> > 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.
>
> It was quite inpromptu and short. we worked on The Swan. He said I must
> learn to create smooth movements with my left hand - this is his secret -
> he
> is extrodinary at shaping the expression of the sound in a ever evolving
> arc. His skills is in smooth melodies - I dont' think he would play a
> Pamelia Kurstin stacatto. But also I think this is partly to do with the
> Series 91 - it's not great for articulation. Incidentally, this is the
> most
> sought after instrument in Japan - Masami believes it is the best Moog
> instrument. If you have one, you will get big bucks from a seller there.
> He is very polite and demanding, but not strict (or not as strict and
> sharp
> as Lydia Kavina) - a gentleman teacher!
>
> Incidentally, he speaks very good, moderate English. But I dont' think he
> is able to write too well. this is more difficult.
>
> Do you think the theremin has moved into the Japanese mainstream
> consciousness or is it still regarded as a novelty?
>
> whereas I dont' think it is 'mainstream' as such, the Japanese do not have
> the same distinction between novely and kitsch and everything else as in
> the
> West. The Mable performers are all serious at their study, even of this
> pitch only instrument. the 'theremin as novelty' in TV and radio, I think,
> would not exist in Japan. It would be accepted and admired for what it is.
>
> My hope is there could be an international event, like the theremin
> symposium, in Japan one day that would link the practice there with the
> rest
> of the world. There are many, particularly in USA, who are too dissmissive
> of Masami and what they are doing in Japan.
>
> He also makes theremin playing fun!
> --
> 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]
>
> 
>


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