Rediscovering the glass armonica, the forgotten sound of history

The video explores the unique and enchanting sound of the glass harmonica, an instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761. Chris Funk, a musician, travels to Williamsburg, VA, to meet Dean Schastak, a master of glass instruments. Dean shares insights into the history, mechanics, and playing techniques of the glass harmonica, emphasizing the importance of water and skin condition in sound production. The video also highlights the potential of glass music as an unexplored musical frontier and discusses the cultural significance of the glass harmonica as one of the first American instruments.

Who invented the glass harmonica?

• Benjamin Franklin

• Johann Sebastian Bach

• Ludwig van Beethoven

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

What is a crucial step before playing the glass harmonica?

• Cleaning your hands

• Warming up the glass

• Tuning the instrument

• Adjusting the flywheel

Why does Dean bring water from the theater to his house?

• To experiment with different water types

• To save on water bills

• To maintain a consistent sound

• To clean the instruments

What makes glass music an exciting frontier according to Dean?

• Its historical significance

• Its unexplored potential

• Its ease of learning

• Its popularity in modern music

What is the significance of the glass harmonica in American history?

• It was used in the first American orchestra

• It was the first instrument played in the White House

• It was the first instrument to be mass-produced in America

• It was the first American instrument aside from Native American ones