Music has this unique power to touch the human soul, to tell stories and evoke deep emotions. If you’re passionate about music or simply curious about discovering new and fascinating sounds, you’ll love this journey through the world’s most unusual musical instruments. Let’s dive into this captivating universe together.
Why Discover Unusual Musical Instruments?
A Unique Hearing Experience
THE unusual musical instruments offer a unique sound palette not found in traditional instruments. They allow you to create new ambiances and explore unexplored sound territories.
A Cultural Journey
Each unusual instrument reflects a culture, a history and a particular know-how. By discovering them, we set out to meet sometimes little-known peoples and traditions.
Stimulate Creativity
For musicians, integrating unusual instruments into their compositions can open up new creative perspectives and give an original touch to their music.
The Theremin: The Magic of the Aether
History of the Theremin
Invented in 1920 by the Russian Léon Theremin, this electronic instrument is one of the first of its kind. It is played without physical contact, which gives it a mystical and fascinating aura.
Operation and Sounds
The theremin produces sounds by capturing the movements of the musician’s hands around two antennas. One controls the pitch, the other the volume. The sounds it generates are often compared to alien voices or ghostly violins.
Famous Uses
The theremin has been used in many film soundtracks, particularly to create disturbing or futuristic atmospheres. It is also found in certain pieces of progressive rock and experimental music.
The Hang Drum: A Drum from Elsewhere
Birth of the Hang Drum
Created in Switzerland in 2000, the hang drum is a melodic percussion instrument shaped like a flying saucer. It combines metallic and harmonious tones which make it an instrument that is both percussive and melodic.
Playing the Hang Drum
The hang drum is played with the hands, gently striking the surface. Each stroke produces a precise note, allowing you to create captivating and relaxing melodies.
Influence and Popularity
Having become very popular among street artists and meditation musicians, the hang drum is appreciated for its calming properties and unique aesthetic.
The Laser Harp: Light in Music
Concept and Invention
The laser harp is a futuristic instrument that uses laser beams to produce sounds. Invented by Bernard Szajner in the 1980s, it is best known thanks to Jean-Michel Jarre, who popularized it during his spectacular concerts.
Operation and Effects
By cutting the light beams with the hands, the musician triggers notes and sound effects. The laser harp allows you to create impressive visual shows in addition to producing captivating sounds.
Current Applications
This instrument is often used during artistic performances and light shows, providing a unique multi-sensory experience.
L’Ondes Martenot: A Symphony of Gentleness
History and Origins
Invented by Maurice Martenot in 1928, ondes Martenot are an electronic instrument that generates soft, fluid sounds, often compared to human voices or theremin sounds.
Playing Ondes Martenot
The musician uses a ribbon and a keyboard to modulate the sounds, allowing great expressiveness and infinite nuances.
Use in Classical Music
The ondes Martenot have been used by many composers of contemporary classical music, notably Olivier Messiaen. They bring an ethereal and emotional dimension to orchestral works.
The Kora: The African Harp
Origins and Meaning
The kora is a traditional West African instrument, often associated with griots, storytellers and musicians who transmit the history and culture of their people.
Structure and Play
It looks like a harp with its 21 strings and is made from a gourd and leather. The player plucks the strings with the fingers, producing complex, rhythmic melodies.
Cultural Influence
The kora is still widely used today, particularly by contemporary musicians who fuse ancient traditions with modern genres like jazz and blues.
The Pen: The Pocket Instrument
Invention and Popularity
Invented in the late 1960s, the Stylophone is a small electronic keyboard that is played with a metal pen. It has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to artists like David Bowie.
Sounds and Use
The Stylophone produces retro electronic sounds reminiscent of early experiments in electronic music. It is popular for its portability and ease of use.
Use in Modern Music
Many pop and electronic music artists use the Stylophone to add a vintage touch to their compositions.
The Hydraulophone: The Music of Water
Concept and Creation
The hydraulophone is a unique instrument that uses water to produce sounds. Invented by Steve Mann, it is often installed in public spaces to allow passers-by to play music while interacting with jets of water.
Operation and Sounds
By blocking or modifying the water jets, the musician produces notes and melodies. The sounds of the hydraulophone are gentle and reminiscent of flowing water, creating a calming experience.
Fun and Therapeutic Applications
The hydraulophone is not only a musical instrument, but also a therapeutic tool used in certain music therapy applications.
The Pikasso Guitar: A Musical Work of Art
Design and Creation
Designed by Canadian luthier Linda Manzer for guitarist Pat Metheny, the Pikasso guitar is a spectacular instrument with its 42 strings and three necks.
Play Pikasso Guitar
Playing this guitar requires great dexterity and a deep understanding of music. It allows you to produce complex chords and harmonies.
Impact on Contemporary Music
Used primarily in jazz and experimental music, the Pikasso guitar is a perfect example of the intersection between art, technique and music.
The Baschet Crystal: Sound Sculpture
Invention and Principles
The Baschet crystal, invented by the Baschet brothers in the 1950s, is a fascinating example of sound sculpture. It uses glass rods and metal plates to produce sounds.
Playing Cristal Baschet
By rubbing the glass rods with wet fingers, the musician produces crystal clear notes and harmonious vibrations.
Artistic Use
Baschet crystal is often used in art installations and contemporary music performances to create ethereal and immersive atmospheres.
Conclusion: An Invitation to Sound Escape
Discovering unusual musical instruments is opening a door to new sonic and cultural horizons. Each instrument, with its history and its particularities, invites us to rethink music and explore new ways to express our creativity.
If this article has inspired you, why not join a community of enthusiasts and discuss these fascinating instruments? As we can see on Infolites.fr, there are many online spaces where you can share your discoveries and enrich your musical universe.
Immerse yourself in the unknown, let yourself be surprised by unexpected sounds and discover all the richness and diversity of unusual musical instruments!
