MI:
LIBRARY: INSTRUMENTS: WOODWINDS:
HARMONICA
History
Mouth organs, some ancestors of the modern harmonica, existed in China over
3,000 years ago. It was from the Far East, that Western mouth organs originated,
during the 19th century. Since then, the Western mouth organ, or harmonica, has
become a popular and versatile instrument.
Description
Harmonicas are woodwinds and very
easily played, an appeal to children. They are most commonly found in blues or
folk music, and even occasional orchestral concertos. They are generally made of
wood and relatively inexpensive.
Harmonica Variations
sheng:
The Chinese mouth organs are the ancestors of the modern harmonica. The Sheng is
one such instrument and is very important to Chinese music. It is a copper/wood
and bamboo instrument and unlike many Chinese instruments, it can play chords.
khaen: This
Asian instrument is a large mouth organ and typically made of bamboo. It is a
relatively complicated instrument and can play chords along with a melody line,
simultaneously.
