The theremin was originally the product of Russian government-sponsored research into proximity sensors during the Russian civil war. Lenin was so impressed with the device that he began taking lessons in playing it. He sent Theremin on a trip around the world to demonstrate the latest Soviet technology: the invention of electronic music.

The theremin is controlled without discernible physical contact from the player. It is named after its Russian inventor,

Professor Léon Theremin, who patented the device in 1928.