Music for Peace of Mind?

Of all the methods developed to sonically amuse (torment?) the human organism, the Theremin exists in a class of its own. With its eerie oscillations and "magical" no-touch interface, this instrument, invented in 1918 by Léon Theremin, isn't completely obscure (it has been popular with kit-builders for decades) yet it never really became part of the musical mainstream. The above album, by Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman, was popular in the fifties, as mood-music for relaxation. The Beach Boys featured it on their pop music hit "Good Vibrations" and it also shows up from time to time on old mystery and suspense movie soundtracks.

Nevertheless, there are still practitioners of unique instrument. Every so often its distinctive tones appear, usually as a welcome surprise:


Hekla Magnúsdóttir, playing with Bárujárn, an Icelandic death-surf/psychobilly band, Reykjavík, 2009

From the Music for Peace of Mind liner notes:

This is music that has a message to give,
if you will open your mind and heart to receive it.
Turndown the lights, relax in an easy chair, and listen.
Then for a few stolen hours, perhaps you will warm to
happy memories and blissful hopes: Yours, for as long
as you may wish to hold it, will be peace of mind.