Dennis James describes the origin and playing of the glass armonica, invented by Benjamin Franklin, prior to a performance in the Spanish Courtyard of Caramoor in Katonah, New York on July 1, 2011.
It was a compilation of lullabies which were mostly covers of popular tunes, like My Angel Baby and We Will Rock You. Very different and beautiful versions.
I don't know why Ben Franklin's glass armonica went extinct. It really has a beautiful sound something that a piano or organ can't deliver. Don't get me wrong piano sounds great but it doesn't give off a glass resinating frequency and consistent frequency that a armonica can give. I wonder if this instrument is any different from playing a piano or organ.
***** It's because they're too quiet. You could play one in a chamber concert but that's about it. If you bring it into a concert hall, no one will hear it and that was a deal breaker back then. Of course now, with microphones and amplifiers, that is no longer the case, so I'm hoping they'll make a comeback.
it is because the sound doesnt carry as well as other instruments can. now with microphones and speakers that would be solved i just wish they would do more with it.
It was more to do with superstition because some people died or committed suicide and they had something in common, they all played the glass armonica one way or the other. This is a copy paste from a website... "Others too, feared the baleful effects of its insanely ethereal tones fearing it could induce hysteria and even madness in listeners. Tales of deaths during concerts lead to the instrument being banned by order of the police in certain German cities. People credited it with scaring animals and causing premature births. Although the eighteenth century was a century of scientific enlightenment, there was also a strong vein of superstition still running through it and some people feared that the otherworldly strains of the glass armonica would raise the spirits of the dead. This lead to proscriptions on the instruments usage: not after midnight, and definitely not near a graveyard. It may also explain its popularity at magic lantern horror shows.
Mario Herrera+ Yeah, early analog synthesis of a vocal sort with infinite sustain. Add to it that since the bowls are hand blown and not perfectly round they "warble" a little bit and it was bound to scare some folks. Funny thing, the "Mellotron" organ (faux flutes on "Stairway To Heaven, intro of "Strawberry Fields") is sort of a distant cousin to this instrument tonically, in that unavoidable mechanical factors in it's design also give it a characteristic "wobbly" sound, no matter which instrument voice in it you choose.
i really like this guys face. he needs to be an actor. and he kinda reminds me of the mayor in jim carey's grinch.. also this instrument is so pretty. but i can't even figure out how to make a wine glass sing :/
@moparmusclecars, If you haven't found it by now you are talking about her lullaby album. I used to have it, when I first heard the instrument. That was about 14 years ago or so.
I'm told by the builder of my instrument that its current (2012) replacement cost is $91,000, and add another $6000 or so for the case and another $1500 or so for the decoration and there you have it. Gad to see the period implications in the design of this all new instrument made you think it could be a historical instrument! - Dennis James
I use the term 'hobbyist', but in the sense that many of them are true artisans. I worked with a kid several years ago whose father built a harpsichord for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It was of 'kit' construction, but an impressive feat all the same.
An articulate, knowledgeable and talented man. I enjoyed this, as I've been fascinated with the scientific principle and the haunting sonic beauty it permits ever since I learned to make a glass 'sing' when I was a kid. I'll still do this with a laugh if I'm washing an appropriate glass. Ha! The question begs to be asked: in crass terms of dollar value, what is an Armonica 'worth', especially one of such ornate design? Is this a period instrument or a hobbyist's build?
That is a beautiful instrument. It makes a lovely sound, but it also LOOKS grand. Does it use an electric motor to rotate, and how was it done in Franklin's day?
Hello moparmusclecars: Since I see that the "comment" by you that I am replying-to, was posted about a year ago, I`m not sure if your question has perhaps already been answered. If not -, then this may help: Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Pardon, and Emmylou Harris released a re-make of Neil Young`s "After the Gold Rush" song, under the group-name "Trio", back on their 1999 album "Trio II"; although Linda Ronstadt had released a different "mix" of it on her 1995 album "Feels Like Home". Both use amonica.
My Father is in search for the song)S) that have Dennis playing in the background, and has Linda Ronstadt singing in the front. Anyone know what CD this would be on? My Father did not think it was classical music, but very well could be. I told him I would search for his CD for him as he wants to buy it. Would it have to be Cristal: Glass Music Through the Ages??? Or was there other CD's with Linda singing?
I'd love to hear rock tunes played on the armonica; like, Jimi Hendrix's Purple Haze or the Rolling Stone's Satisfaction, Ruby Tuesday. I wonder how Elvis's Jailhouse Rock or Hound Dog would sound on it. :D
