The Atlas Obscura Podcast
Ben Franklin’s Musical Invention
Feb 5, 2025
Discover the eerie sounds of the glass armonica, a musical invention by Benjamin Franklin, said to heal—or harm. Unravel its mystifying history intertwined with 18th-century medical theories. Learn about its cultural significance and the controversies it sparked across Europe. Dive into the legacy of this unique instrument, including a connection to the mysterious disappearance of a pilot. Plus, get a glimpse of its revival and an invitation to experience it at the Franklin Institute.
17:29
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Quick takeaways
- Benjamin Franklin's glass armonica originated from a party trick and gained popularity, inspiring compositions from renowned artists like Mozart.
- The glass harmonica was controversially linked to Franz Mesmer's healing practices, illustrating the intersection of music, psychology, and superstition in its history.
Deep dives
The Invention of the Glass Harmonica
Benjamin Franklin invented the glass harmonica after witnessing a party trick involving wine glasses that produced musical sounds when rubbed. He collaborated with glassmakers to create a series of nested glass bowls of varying sizes, which could easily be transported and played. This device consisted of a rotating mechanism that allowed the player to produce sound by wetting their fingers and touching the glass rims. Franklin's invention quickly gained popularity across Europe, leading to a musical craze that featured notable composers such as Mozart, who composed pieces specifically for the instrument.
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