Glass harmonica

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 ...

1. Why was the glass harmonica banned?
2. How much does a glass harmonica cost?
3. Why did Benjamin Franklin invent the glass harmonica?
4. Is the glass armonica still used today?

Why was the glass harmonica banned?

But by the 1820s, it was nearly a forgotten instrument. Over the years, some disturbing events began to be associated with the glass armonica. ... A few listeners were also subject to ill effects; after an incident in Germany where a child died during a performance, the armonica was actually banned in a few towns.

How much does a glass harmonica cost?

Why did Benjamin Franklin invent the glass harmonica?

The Armonica, also called the glass harmonica was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761. ... He thought it was the sweetest sound he had ever heard but he wanted to hear more harmonies with his melody. Thus the Armonica was born and named by Franklin for a word taken from the musical Italian language.

Is the glass armonica still used today?

Lead was a commonly used metal in the eighteenth century, so it is difficult to determine if these players' maladies came from the lead in the armonica or from other sources. The popularity of the instrument faded early in the nineteenth century, but it is still played occasionally today.