What is the glass armonica used for?

The glass harmonica, also known as the glass armonica, glass harmonium, bowl organ, hydrocrystalophone, or simply the armonica or harmonica (derived from ἁρμονία, harmonia, the Greek word for harmony), is a type of musical instrument that uses a series of glass bowls or goblets graduated in size to produce musical …

How does glass armonica make sound?

A hole was put through the center of the glass bowls, and an iron rod ran through the holes. The rod was attached to a wheel, which was turned by a foot pedal. Moistened fingers touched to the edge of the spinning glasses produced the musical sounds.

What kind of instrument is a glass harmonica?

Beethoven wrote music for the glass harmonica. A glass harmonica, also called a glass armonica, is a type of musical instrument. It was inspired by the sound that a person can make by running his or her wet finger around the rim of a drinking glass.

Where was the original armonica harmonica put on display?

In 1975, an original armonica was acquired by the Bakken Museum in Minneapolis and put on display, albeit without its original glass bowls (they were destroyed during shipment).

Who are some famous composers that played the glass armonica?

Ben Franklin’s Glass Armonica. Later, composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Donizetti would write music for the armonica. Because of its almost immediate popularity, the glass armonica seemed destined for permanence. But by the 1820s, it was nearly a forgotten instrument.

Why was the glass armonica considered an evil instrument?

If you are irritated or disturbed by bad news, by friends or even by disappointment from a lady, abstain from playing, it would only increase your disturbance”. The glass armonica was accused of causing evils such as nervous problems, domestic squabbles, premature deliveries, fatal disorders, and animal convulsions.