Bob Conant wrote:

> The instrument is the glass armonica (not Harmonica) ... These were
> in favor around 1800 but not everyone liked them ... They fell out of
> popularity as a concert instrument after a fairly short time ... The
> sound is flute-like with a bit of strings mixed in.

Mr. Conant has much respect in my eyes, as an authority on things
musical.  IMHO, its difficult to let his interesting post get by since it
may be misleading; I hope he will forgive me adding some clarification.

"Glass harmonica" is the correct term (Webster's Dictionary, et al).
I have not seen anyone call it a glass "armonica" (a word in Italian and
Spanish, but not English).

The uninitiated reader might infer that the instrument was not popular or
even well-received.  A number of respected composers wrote for the glass
harmonica, from Beethoven to Mozart.

One can create his or her own instrument, using a series of squeaky-clean
goblets or glass bowls, tuned by water.  Play them by rubbing with a wet
finger, striking with a soft mallet, or stroking with a violin bow.

Playing the water glasses is an amusement that's been around for
centuries.  This after-dinner "stunt" is reported to have been the actual
inspiration for the glass harmonica.  It was Ben Franklin's invention of
a practical device, which was accepted as a legitimate musical
instrument.

Bob's remarks about the tone could be easily misunderstood.  Its sound
is a sustained tone, like a violin.  It has way too rich harmonic
development to resemble a flute.  Its tone quality and strength closely
resemble the Aeolian Harp, but how few of us have heard one?  (Put your
ear close to your kite string next time you're out flying).

 [ Maybe that's what inspired Ben Franklin!  -- Robbie ]

The largest reason that the instrument failed in concerts is because
no one could hear it past the orchestra pit!  It is a _salon_ instrument
with a very soft, thin, ethereal voice.  With modern electrical amplifi-
cation it might work, but electrifying a water-filled instrument?

zzzzz-ZAP!  Show's Over!   ;-)

Respectfully,

Robert Linnstaedt

 [ Editor's note:
 [
 [ A couple of cautionary notes here, and then some word fun... ;)
 [
 [ 1. Mr. Noah Webster failed to register copyright of the name of his
 [ famous dictionary, therefore every publisher can, and does, claim
 [ to be a "Webster's Dictionary".  Like most perennial favorites,
 [ there are good word-books and poor ones.
 [
 [ 2. Dictionaries of American English do not define what is correct;
 [ they merely reflect the most common usage.  Assuming that your
 [ dictionary is following this precept, it's safe to say that
 [ "harmonica" was the commonly written/spoken word, and even Ben
 [ Franklin's fame couldn't persuade the public to use his term,
 [ 'armonica'.  Only Ben could explain what is 'correct'!
 [
 [ 3. My 7 kg "Webster's", publ. by C. & G. Merriam Co., (c) 1927,
 [ presumably reflects the usage of its era (1900-1927).  It says:
 [
 [ harmonica --
 [ a. An instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin ...
 [ b. An instrument of graduated strips of glass or metal hung on two
 [    tapes, or mounted on a resonance box, and struck with hammers.
 [ c. A harmonicon
 [ d. An organ stop of delicate tone
 [
 [ harmonicon --
 [ a.  = harmonica a & b
 [ b. A small wind instrument, played by the mouth, in which the notes
 [    are produced by free metallic reeds ...
 [
 [ If we believe Merriam, Ben Franklin's instrument was much better
 [ known than the familiar "mouth organ"!
 [
 [
 [ The Dictionary of Musical Terms, publ. by G. Schirmer, 1895, says:
 [
 [ Harmonica --
 [ a. The instr. developed by Benjamin Franklin from the musical glasses,
 [ and named by him the Armonica. [ Long description follows.]
 [ b. See Mouth-harmonica
 [
 [
 [ -- Robbie