Original subtitles

In Russian it's called:

"State Committee of Intelligence". KGB.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The ministry of inside things.

EAVESDROPPED ON THE KREMLIN

It wasn't just listening in on Stalin, but other people, too.

Stalin knew all about it. He considered it very important.

When it came time for the Stalin Awards...

... the most prestigious in the USSR...

... Stalin saw that Theremin was to receive...

... the Second Level Award.

Stalin crossed it out, wrote in, "First Level" and then signed it.

LYDIA KAVINA - Theremin's great niece

It's a secret document.

The way the KGB works...

... it's still locked up...

... in the most secret vaults of the KGB.

After the KGB...

... Theremin worked at the Moscow Conservatory of Music.

In his laboratory he built Theremins...

... electronic cellos...

... and even a few Terpsitones.

He worked there for ten years.

Theremin was very popular with the students.

They loved him.

One day, a visitor came to the Conservatory.

While he was being shown around...

... he recognized Theremin.

He was a correspondent from the New York Times.

The correspondent was very surprised to see Theremin.

He said, "You're alive!"

Theremin said, "Yes, I'm alive. I work at the Conservatory."

An article was written about Theremin...

... that caused a lot of trouble.

The Vice President at the Conservatory said:

"The people don't need electronic music.

"Electricity is for killing traitors in the electric chair."

Theremin was fired.

His laboratory was closed...

...his instruments were hauled out...

...and destroyed with an axe.

I'm so happy to see you!

Here, let me take your hat.

You are like a dream come true.

Isn't it nice we could see each other in our old age?

What old age?

Do you recognize me? I changed my hair.

You're taller.

I grew up!

Over here is the first Theremin you gave me. I still have it.

The standard RCA model.

When they became scarce...

...many people wanted to buy it...

...but I would never sell...

...my darling little Theremin!

There is a picture of my sister Nadia...

...and here are my pictures of Lev Sergeivich Termen.

I keep them in a place of honor... always!

I don't have my glasses.

And this is my portrait.

Still sounds good.

When I needed a faster left hand...

...so that in addition to glissando...

...I could also play staccato.

I let you know my musical needs.

And you built it for me.

I may have inspired you...

...but you get all the credit as the genius who created it.

That's enough.

You didn't come here for this.

Let's just sit quietly...

...and have some tea and talk.