Long regarded as "The Queen of the Theremin," Clara Rockmore's virtuosity as the world's leading exponent of the theremin, was commonly acknowledged during her long and successful career. Intimately involved with Leon Theremin in the development of the instrument, Clara Rockmore's career as a thereminist had her performing with major orchestras and with her sister, the legendary pianist, Nadia Reisenberg. The Rockmore/Reisenberg duo is heard on this CD in 13 never-before released tracks, recorded in 1975. Also heard here are three tracks with the accompaniment of a cello ensemble, and one with the accompaniment of the much admired Argentine composer/guitarist, Jorge Morel. This recording comes with a booklet which includes numerous historic photographs of the performers, as well as excerpts from an interview conducted by Robert Sherman, in which his mother, Nadia Reisenberg; his aunt, Clara Rockmore; and the electronic pioneer Robert Moog discuss their lives and the background of their involvement with the theremin and its creator, Leon Theremin.
Google Doodle in honor of Clara Rockmore's 105th birthday
Reviews:
“I have never seen a thereminist in action, but I wager that watching him or her perform on this instrument must look as beautiful as the sounds that are created. If you give the CD a chance to cast its unearthly spell, I predict that you’ll come back to it again and again, with your admiration and respect increasing each time.” - Classical Net
“Her feeling for nuance, sense of proportion, subtle dynamic inflections, and tasteful, varied portamentos convey character and dignity in a wide range of material. An essential acquisition for anyone who cares about the theremin.” - ClassicsToday.com
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Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) - Liebesleid
Johann Mattheson (1681-1764) - Air
Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) -Humoreske
Anis Fuliehan (1901-1970) - Pastorale
Franz Schubert (1797-1828) - Ave Maria
Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) - Nocturne in C-sharp minor (Op. Posthumous)
Gaspar Cassado (1897-1966) - Requiebros
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) - Adagio, Celebrated Air
Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) - Aria from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
Richard Heuberger (1850-1914) - Midnight Bells (arr. Kreisler)
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) - Kaddish
George Gershwin (1898-1937) - Summertime
Avery Robinson (1878-1965) - Water Boy
Manuel Ponce (1882-1948) - Estrellita
Louis Louiguy (1916-1991) - La Vie en Rose
Clara Rockmore, theremin
Nadia Reisenberg, piano
BRIDGE 9208
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