Schillinger's Solution, 1931

"I propose to develop, with the aid of the theremin, projects for various machines for the automatic composition of music. L.S. Theremin considers such machines entirely feasible.... Under such conditions, musical works can be broadcast over the radio at the same time that they are being composed by the machine. The final aim of this work is to construct a synthetic machine capable of works of a higher order and with a greater degree of perfection than is accessible to living composers. The machine will be given only a general physico-mathematical idea, and the execution will proceed automatically." 'The Ether Wave Salon', pg. 134-135, "Theremin: Ether, Music, and Espionage" - Glinsky, 2000.

Schillinger proposes a device capable of composing music, these machines will produce beat, rhythm, tone, pitch, etc. on their own (with the help of an operator, "music engineer"). He saw the work of Theremin as the beginning of the "...second half of the history of music." Schillinger desired a shift from traditional towards a new age of electronic instruments, these ideas, most likely, stemed from his believe that, "...in an age of technology, art forms should be engineered and executed with the same scientific rigor and formulas as the building of bridges or skyscapers -- taking advantage of the latest scientific tools." pg. 131, Glinsky, 2000.

There is the possibility to produce a theremin-type device to control and/or be controlled by itself and others. A machine begins to play itself, other devices begin to play the machine. A possible objective is to produce a device that responds to the sounds/movements it is creating, the machine then feeds itself. Variety could be introduced into the system through other external devices/sensors/movements, etc.

"Cartoon by Perrault, France, about 1927: "In 50 Years -- Professor Theremin synthesizing himself, plays the finale of 'Faust' before applauding machines who will henceforth replace the audience at the Opera." Schillinger Theremin Collection, Arthur Friedheim Library, Peabody Institute, Baltimore." Glinksy, 2000.