The glass harmonica, also known as the glass armonica, glass harmonium, bowl organ, hydrocrystalophone, or simply the armonica or harmonica is a type of musical instrument that uses a series of glass bowls or goblets graduated in size to produce musical tones by means of friction and people thought that it made people insane in those days. Later Benjamin Franklin invented his mechanical version of the instrument in 1761, he called it the armonica
Here is an example of spine chilling glass harmonica performance while you are reading the article
Glass harmonica first presented by Irish musician Richard Puckeridge with water filled glasses in a show
in italian " Armonica" harmony means the simultaneous combination of tones that feels good when listening
But Why this instrument got forbidden ?
Human brain can't sense the sounds below 4000 Heartz but Glass harmonica creates sounds between 1000-4000 Heartz. Since the brain can't sense sounds below 4000 Heartz hearing problems occurs while listening the glass harmonica . The diffence between right and left ear spot causes Phase differences.
Therfore its commonly thought that its not healthy for people who suffers from pshycological problems to listen or play glass harmonica .
So eventhough you hear the sound you can go in to the emotional void while listening it , But don't expect to experience any emotional problems while listening it from computer and listening from live got different frequencies therefore just try to have fun . Mozarth, Hassa, Bach, Beethoven, Donizetti, Strauss and many more musicians used glass harmonica.
Morever some people think that the lead used on this instrument may cause the all the madness because of lead poisoning. Also its commonly beleived that the lead on the instrument was the dead cause of Beethoven
But the main reason why the instrument lose its popularity is the voice is not good enough for making concerts in concert halls.
Here is one last video Let's watch the Glass Harmonica crafter Gerhard Finkenbeiner
