Celebrating Women's History: Clara Rockmore (Violin '29)

In October 1920, a young Russian physicist named Lev Termen inadvertently invented a new musical instrument while conducting government research on proximity sensors. Called the theremin, the instrument was completely novel; it was not played through physical touch. Rather, performers controlled the pitch and volume through the movement of their hands near the instrument’s precisely placed antennas. The result is a synthesized, eerie pitch reminiscent of 1950s science fiction and, under the right hands, can be mesmerizingly beautiful.

But how does this relatively obscure instrument invented by a scientist in Russia nearly 100 years ago connect to Curtis? The answer lies in Clara Reisenberg Rockmore (Violin ’29), who would become the first and arguably best theremin virtuosa. Born in Russia on March 9, 1911, she inherited the family trait of perfect pitch and could play melodies on the piano at age two. At four, she was admitted to the St. Petersburg Imperial Conservatory as the school’s youngest violin student ever—so small that she played her entire audition standing on a table. As conditions deteriorated after the Russian Revolution, the Reisenberg family left the country, performing concerts as they traveled from one country to another until they could obtain a visa to sail to the United States. On December 19, 1921, they arrived at Ellis Island and began their new life.

A child prodigy on the violin, Ms. Rockmore was accepted to Curtis in 1928, at age 17, to study with Leopold Auer. She had barely begun her studies when she began having pain in her right arm and hand. Personal letters found in Ms. Rockmore’s student file indicate that, at first, the pain was thought to be inflammation of her muscles and nerves caused by increased practice on the violin and would dissipate with rest. Unfortunately, the pain in her right hand increased, causing her to withdraw from the school in November. She was eventually diagnosed with arthritis, which ended her career ambitions as a violinist.

Shortly after she withdrew from Curtis, Clara Rockmore was introduced to Mr. Termen (now going by the Americanized name of Leon Theremin). She adopted his new invention and quickly became an accomplished player of the theremin, performing in venues across the country as well as with world-renowned orchestras including those in Philadelphia and New York. Although her fame can in part be attributed to her choice of instrument, the theremin was—and still is—unusual. It is her distinctive technical artistry for which she is remembered. Ms. Rockmore’s prodigious ability on the violin—her lyricism, technique, and musicality—seamlessly transferred to the theremin.

Although Clara Rockmore’s affiliation with Curtis was brief—she studied at the school for less than two months—she went on to forge a most unique music career. Thanks to a fortuitous meeting with a Russian physicist and his accidental invention, she was able to continue her musical ambitions.

For further information on the fascinating careers of both Clara Rockmore and her sister, pianist Nadia Reisenberg (Piano ’38), visit their foundation’s website.

Please visit the Curtis Institute of Music Open Archives and Recitals (CIMOAR) and learn more about Curtis’s library and archives HERE.

Photo Credits: 1. Clara Rockmore promotional photo, mid to late 1930s; Renato Toppo, courtesy of the Nadia Reisenberg/Clara Rockmore Foundation. 2.) Curtis Institute of Music Library and Archives. 3.) Clara Rockmore with Lev Sergeyevitch Termen (Leon Theremin) in New York, circa 1929; courtesy of the Nadia Reisenberg / Clara Rockmore Foundation. 4.) Promotional photo; courtesy of the Nadia Reisenberg / Clara Rockmore Foundation. 5.) Robert Moog and Clara Rockmore smiling for the camera as Bob demonstrates his latest theremin to Clara in Clara’s home on West 57th Street (New York), April 24, 1993; © Steve J. Sherman. 6.) Clara Rockmore in her home, July 31, 1996; © Steve J. Sherman. 7.) Album cover for Clara Rockmore’s debut record in 1977, with sister, pianist Nadia Reisenberg.