Watch: A massive THEREMIN ensemble plays ‘Ode to Joy’

By Maddy Shaw Roberts

Just a giant orchestra of theremin players, performing the signature tune from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 on what *seem* to be tiny Russian dolls.

The theremin is a slightly odd instrument, which doesn’t even need to be touched to be played.

Here’s how it works: the theremin player stands in front of the instrument, while moving their hands around its two metal antennae. One antenna controls the pitch, while the other determines the volume. Then, electric signals from the theremin are amplified and the sound is projected through a loudspeaker.

The Big Bang Theory

In the video above, the Da ensemble play on what sound like theremins, but are actually matryomins.

For those who aren’t aware (and who is, tbh), matryomins are one-antenna theremins, which are then inserted into a Matryoshika figure, AKA a Russian doll.

Their interpretation of ‘Ode to Joy’ from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is eerie and a bit confusing to watch. They even launch into a ‘boogie’ version.

It’s weird, but quite enjoyable.