Leon Theremin's original designs are elegant, ingenious and effective. As electronics goes, the theremin is very simple. But there are so many subtleties hidden in the details of the design. It's like a great sonnet, or a painting, or a speech, that is perfectly done on more than one level.

In this quote, Robert Moog, the inventor of the Moog synthesizer, reflects on the brilliance of Leon Theremin's original design for the theremin, an early electronic instrument. Moog praises the theremin's elegance, ingenuity, and effectiveness, noting that despite its simplicity in terms of electronics, the instrument has a depth of subtleties that make it much more complex. Moog compares the theremin's design to an art form, such as a sonnet, painting, or speech, which is appreciated not only on a surface level but also for its layered, intricate qualities.

Moog’s comment emphasizes that the theremin is not just a technical achievement, but a masterpiece that combines functionality with artistic expression. The simplicity of its electronics hides the sophistication in the way it operates and interacts with the performer, making it a unique instrument in the world of music technology. Moog suggests that, like great art, the theremin's design operates on multiple levels, offering both practical utility and aesthetic beauty.

The quote also reflects Moog's admiration for Theremin's ability to create an instrument that, while simple in its construction, can evoke a wide range of emotions and sounds. The subtleties of the theremin's design, including its use of electromagnetic fields to control pitch and volume, give it a distinctive sound and performance style that is unlike any other instrument. Moog's comparison to a sonnet or painting highlights the balance between technical innovation and artistic expression that Theremin achieved.

Originating from Robert Moog, this quote underscores his own reverence for the art of electronic music and his understanding of how design can transcend its technical roots to become something much more profound. Moog, known for his contributions to synthesizer technology, was influenced by Theremin's work and saw the theremin as an example of the deep connection between engineering and creativity in the world of music.