Invented in 1761 by Benjamin Franklin, the glass armonica (not harmonica) is considered the first American instrument. Two centuries later, glass pioneer Dominick Labino made his own version of the armonica, which consists of glass bowls nestled together, beehive-style, and is played by stroking the edges. Come see Labino’s original instrument, now in the TMA collection, and see maestro Dennis James play his armonica in concert in the Great Gallery this Friday at 7:30. Free.
This instrument was replaced by the harpsicord because it was considered to bring spirits into the home and was outlawed. There are very few in existence due to the fact that most of them were destroyed by law. Deaths were prominent by the people that played this instrument. It was considered evil in the end and taken apart or smashed. The reason for the the deaths………. lead poisoning, (They often decorated the bowls with lead decorative paint )