An Ode to Clara Rockmore and the Bizarre Beauty of Theremin Music: The Theremin Vignettes by Jessi Stegall

Explore the Legacy of Clara Rockmore and the Enigmatic World of Theremin Music through The Theremin Vignettes by Jessi Stegall

“The Theremin Vignettes” by Jessi Stegall is an immersive dance-theater production that pays tribute to thereminist Clara Rockmore and her remarkable musical legacy. Drawing inspiration from Rockmore’s life and music, Jessi weaves together a series of choreographic vignettes that delve into themes of grief, remembrance, and devotion. Each scene is accompanied by one of Rockmore’s intricate theremin arrangements of classical compositions, often performed alongside her sister, pianist Nadia Residenberg. Through her collaboration with the Nadia Reisenberg/Clara Rockmore Foundation, Jessi Stegall forms a meaningful connection with Clara’s family, fostering a remarkable partnership.

As a meticulous and research-driven artist, Jessi Stegall has utilized her residency at the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) to expand her network of collaborators, delve deeper into Clara’s arrangements, and develop a captivating movement vocabulary for her first full-length production, “The Theremin Vignettes.” Jessi’s work acknowledges and honors Clara Rockmore, an extraordinary Lithuanian-Jewish woman and virtuoso, who, despite being hailed as the greatest theremin player of all time, remains underappreciated for her immense contribution to electronic music.

Clara Rockmore (1911–1998) holds a unique place in the annals of music history as the leading performer of the theremin. This extraordinary instrument, played without physical contact, produces ethereal tones seemingly conjured from thin air. A thereminist manipulates an electromagnetic field surrounding two antennae using delicate finger and hand movements, creating a warbling sound that resembles the human voice. Clara elevated the theremin from a mere novelty to a refined instrument, employing her virtuosity to breathe precision and compositional depth into classical works adapted for this otherworldly device. Previously confined to producing artificial sound effects for science fiction films, the theremin found new artistic heights under Clara’s expert touch.

“The Theremin Vignettes” by Jessi Stegall promises to leave audiences with a deep appreciation for the peculiar and a newfound love for this distinctive genre of music.

“At its core, ‘The Theremin Vignettes’ is an homage to Clara—a Lithuanian-Jewish woman, a musical genius, a pioneer of electronic music, a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend. Her life, much like her music, brims with tales of love, loss, resilience, and awe-inspiring wonder. It is my privilege to interpret her narratives, both real and imagined, through the language of movement. This project serves two important aims: to enhance the audience’s understanding of the theremin and Clara’s unparalleled contribution to the field, and to honor Clara by infusing this piece with the overarching themes that defined her life, igniting curiosity and inspiring audiences to seek out the stories of forgotten women throughout history,” shares Stegall.

Live performances of “The Theremin Vignettes” will be held at the Calderwood Pavilion at BCA from May 25 to 28. Additionally, a free virtual performance will be available on June 2, accessible for a seven-day period.

News source: https://www.bostontheatrescene.com/shows-and-events/the-theremin-vignettes/#

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