Les Baxter, Harry Revel & Dr. Samuel Hoffman Music Out of the Moon & Music for Peace of Mind LP (Mono) (Green Vinyl)

One of the earliest forms of electronic music, from the originators of the genre! Though the theremin is often used in science fiction and film scores depicting the macabre, this album shows the theremin's vibrant sweetness and gentle vibrato. It explores the instrument, using exotic harmonies, timbre and composition to play upon the more remote realm of human emotions. Includes all tracks from Music Out of the Moon & Music for Peace of Mind!

Harry Revel created the basic "idea" and themes, while Leslie Baxter, arranger and conductor, has given them appropriately unique tone color and unusual instrumental effects with woodwinds, strings and brass. The artist who plays the theremin is Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman, whose brilliant technique was heard in the music of "Spellbound," "Lost Weekend," "Spiral Staircase" and "The Red House."

Music Out of the Moon is a landmark album that was released in 1947. It was the first commercial recording to feature the theremin, which had been invented just a few decades earlier. With its lush, atmospheric arrangements, the album was an instant success, selling over 100,000 copies in its first year and helping to popularize the theremin as a musical instrument. It also paved the way for the development of the exotica genre.

Music for Peace of Mind was released just three years later. Its gentle and introspective piano solos that are meant to evoke a sense of calm and relaxation. In fact, it was one of the first albums to explore the concept of "mood music," which sought to create a specific emotional response in the listener. It was a commercial success, selling over a million copies, and it helped to popularize the idea of relaxation and meditation music.