Rediscovering the Glass Armonica, The Forgotten Sound of History

Chris Funk travels to Williamsburg, VA, to meet Dean Shostak, a master of the glass harmonica and other glass instruments. The video explores the history of the glass harmonica, invented by Benjamin Franklin, and the unique techniques required to play it. Dean shares his personal journey of mastering these instruments and discusses the potential of glass music as an unexplored frontier. The video highlights the challenges and excitement of creating new glass instruments and the importance of the glass harmonica as a significant American musical invention.

What is the primary goal of Chris Funk's journey to Williamsburg, VA?

• To study the local wildlife

• To learn about colonial architecture

• To find extraordinary people in music

• To explore the culinary history of the region

Who invented the glass harmonica and in what year?

• Thomas Edison in 1877

• Nikola Tesla in 1893

• Alexander Graham Bell in 1876

• Benjamin Franklin in 1761

What unique feature does the glass harmonica have regarding tuning?

• It cannot be tuned

• It requires daily tuning

• Other instruments must tune to it

• It is self-tuning

What is a key factor in producing sound on the glass harmonica?

• The type of glass used

• The speed of rotation

• The condition of the player's skin

• The temperature of the room

Why is the glass harmonica considered significant in American music history?

• It was used in the first American symphony

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

• It was the first instrument invented in America

• It was the first instrument to be mass-produced