• Benjamin Franklin invented the glass armonica in 1761. He got the idea from listening to musicians play water glasses filled to different levels to make musical sounds.
• Franklin turned the glasses on their side, put smaller glasses inside bigger ones, and turned them by using a foot pedal.
• When he turned the glasses, he put wet fingers on the edge to make the musical sounds. The larger the glass, the lower the sound.
• Listen carefully as Benjamin Franklin plays the glass armonica.
• People liked to listen to the glass armonica. It was one of Benjamin Franklin’s favorite inventions. Some people still play the glass armonica today!
• William Zeitler is a musician
that still plays the glass
armonica. He travels with
his instrument and performs
for audiences around the
world.
• Click on Mr. Zeitler’s name to watch and listen to him play the glass armonica.
• The glass armonica is a very interesting instrument that Benjamin Franklin invented. He was very proud of it. Click on his signature and play it for yourself!
Benjamin FranklinLondon July 13, 1762
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