Virtuoso Pamelia Kurstin plays and discusses her theremin in this video. You may recognize the “music” of the theremin from science fiction movies. What is intriguing about the instrument is how, as in practicing yoga, total body control and concentration are needed to create music, all done without ever touching the instrument.

Pamelia is playing the air! She has to be aware and in control of her breathing, the movement of other parts of her body, and all that is going on around her.

Pamelia is so engrossed in her playing that she has difficulty making the transition to speaking to her audience. Songs include the classic “Autumn Leaves,” Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life” and a composition by David Mash, “Listen: the Words Are Gone.” Piano: Makoto Ozone. Watch, listen, and be amazed:

It’s as if Pamelia enters a different reality while playing this instrument, where she is unaware of boundaries between herself, her instrument, the music, and her surroundings.