"When I open it and it's not broken, it's Christmas!"

December 1, 2021 1:37 PM

Musician Rob Scallon (previously) sits down with Musician/Historian Dennis James (wiki) as he sets up, explains and demonstraits a glass armonica.
posted by bondcliff (9 comments total)

Perhaps most famously employed by Gaetano Donizetti in the "mad scene" in his opera Lucia di Lammermoor (big armonica part starts here). The staging in the linked production calls attention to the use of glass in an interesting way.
posted by slkinsey at 1:56 PM on December 1, 2021 [2 favorites]

Incredible. Thanks.
posted by dobbs at 2:20 PM on December 1, 2021

"Every note has its own speed."

What a marvelously fussy instrument. So cool.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 2:57 PM on December 1, 2021 [1 favorite]

Amazing! He talks about "concessions to modernity" such as the electric motor. My first "concession" would be a much wider and more sturdy steel base with rubber feet for the entire thing!

Excellent post. Thanks!
posted by SoberHighland at 3:17 PM on December 1, 2021 [1 favorite]

I saw/heard one played live once. It was amazing.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 4:39 PM on December 1, 2021

That is damn beautiful.
posted by darkstar at 4:42 PM on December 1, 2021

That was enchanting. Thank you, bondcliff.
posted by Horkus at 7:15 PM on December 1, 2021

I used to work with a guy who built one and got gigs playing it. He told me that it was not uncommon for people to approach him and urgently ask: you know this thing is killing you, don't you?
posted by thelonius at 12:37 AM on December 2, 2021

I love these and looked into getting one some years ago. They are several thousand dollars, which I think is fair, but I remember there actually being a waiting list or manufacturing delay that was surprising (or not, as a somewhat complex low-demand item). When the time comes, it will sit next to the hurdy-gurdy I also don't yet own, in my calliope room.
posted by rhizome at 1:25 PM on December 2, 2021 [3 favorites]