Not to Bore You, But.....

I picked up a random book from the library yesterday called, "The Glass Harmonica." The book was decent, but the subject matter was intriguing and caused me to do some digging around. The book revolved around, well, a glass harmonica (or armonica), something I had never heard of. If you're familiar with it, please don't read any further. But for the rest of you who are now dying to know what I'm writing about, please do continue.

The glass harmonica was invented in 1761 by none other than Benjamin Franklin. In fact he said, "Of all my inventions, the glass armonica has given me the greatest personal satisfaction." (That's saying something, isn't it?) It is a muscial instrument that is played on the same principle as rubbing a wet finger around the rim of a wineglass. I'll spare you all the technicalities, but it is pretty interesting. In fact, upon hearing Franklin's armonica, Mozart and Beethoven composed pieces specifically for it.

Another intriging note is that some people who played it complained of the music emotionally upsetting them. They said that the vibrations were entering their fingertips and causing mental anguish. Now it is believed that perhaps the lead used in the glass back in the eighteenth century was at fault. Yet due to the instrument's distinct sound, others claim to this day that it has healing properties unlike any other instrument.

If you're curisoity is still not satisfied, watch the YouTube video. You've got to hear its sound! (Be sure to pause the playlist playing at the bottom of the screen. It will make listening a little easier :))