Rare Theremin Recordings of dr. Samuel Hoffman

http://www.thorwaldjorgensen.com | dr. Samuel Hoffman plays Kol Nidrei, Eli, Eli and Moonlight Sonata. dr. Samuel. Hoffman (July 23, 1903 - December 6, 1967) was a notable thereminist. At age 14, began playing the violin professionally in New York City. Under the stage name Hal Hope, he led nightclub and society bands. By 1936, he had taken up the theremin and begun featuring it in publicity for his engagements, he is most know for playing the Thereminparts in famous hollywood movie scores such as "Spellbound" by Rosza and The Day the Earth Stood Still" by Herrmann. In the seventies Clara Rockmore, the greatest Thereminst ever, mentiond in an interview that she was asked to do Spellbound. She refused because she didn't want to make spooky noises with her instrument. One can only wonder if she ever regretted that desicion in the light of the great acclaim it brought dr. Hoffman, she had to witness a much less polished Thereminst, playing an instrument inferior to hers, receive widespread fame and financial success!