It's the only musical instrument that's played without being touched – the theremin. You've probably heard its eerie sound in movies like Hitchcock's "Spellbound" and on the Beach Boys' hit "Good Vibrations." In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, the intriguing life of the instrument's inventor Leon Theremin. Also, how Gadfly Records is fighting the battle of the bland.
Hans Fenger tells Steve Paulson about the Langley Schools Music Project. In the 1970s, Fenger taught music to children in rural British Columbia by getting them to sing pop music from the Beatles and the Beach Boys. And we hear samples from the kids' recordings.SEGMENT 2:
Albert Glinsky is the author of "Theremin: Ether Music and Espionage." The book is a biography of Leon Theremin and a history of the instrument that bears his name. Lenin was intrigued by the theramin's use as a burglar alarm and wanted to explore the espionage possibilities. Also, Mitch Cantor is the founder of Gadfly Records, and dedicated to spreading the word about obscure, unique and offbeat projects. Cantor tells Steve Paulson about some of the artists he records.SEGMENT 3:
Gloria Lenhoff has Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic condition resulting in mental retardation and extraordinary musical abilities. Her father, retired biologist Howard Lenhoff, tells Jim Fleming how he first knew she had a problem and what he's learned about what he calls "her gift." And he brags a little about some of Gloria's outstanding achievements. For more information on Williams Syndrome, go to http://www.wsf.org/.Cassette copies are available at 1-800-747-7444. Ask for program number 02-01-20-B.
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