Leon Theremin was a Russian and Soviet inventor, most famous for his invention of the theremin, one of the first electronic musical instruments and the first to be mass-produced. He also worked on early television research.

Is Leon Theremin Russian?

Meet Leon Theremin, a Russian physicist, inventor, and musician, who developed not only a musical instrument that can be played without being touched, but also a spying device that was successfully planted in the U.S. ambassador's residence in Moscow.

Why did Leon Theremin invent the Theremin?

He was developing an electronic device for measuring the density of gases and noticed the sound it made changed depending on the position of his hand. Lenin was so impressed he sent Theremin across Russia to show off his instrument and promote the electrification of the country.