Wavemakers

Since its triumphant premiere at the Paris Opera in 1928, the Ondes Martenot has generated fascination and inspired legions of musicians. Invented by the musician and educator Maurice Martenot (1898-1980), this rare and fragile electronic instrument has been widely featured in popular and classical music-from the first film soundtracks, to Hollywood classics, science-fiction TV series and the works of Olivier Messiaen, Édith Piaf and the rock band Radiohead. So extraordinarily sensitive is the Martenot that nearly a century after its invention, musicians, artisans and scientists are still trying to unravel its secrets. Integrating vérité and never-before-seen archives, this documentary features a soundtrack that contains a rich repertoire of the Martenot's haunting and lyrical sounds. Lend an ear - Wavemakers is a journey into the very heart of the mystery of music.