Music, a universal language transcending cultures and time, has always held a special place in human civilization. As diverse as the cultures that create it, the instruments that produce music are often deeply rooted in the traditions and innovations of different societies. Some of these instruments, while lesser-known, stand out not only for their unique sounds but also for their unusual designs and playing techniques. This essay delves into the fascinating world of bizarre musical instruments from around the globe, celebrating their ingenuity and the rich cultural tapestries they represent.
One such instrument is the theremin, an early electronic instrument invented by Leon Theremin in 1920. Unlike traditional instruments, the theremin is played without physical contact. The musician manipulates electromagnetic fields around two metal antennas with their hands, one controlling pitch and the other volume. The resulting sound is often described as eerie or ethereal, frequently used in science fiction film scores. Its invention marked a significant leap in musical technology, paving the way for future electronic instruments.
From the frozen tundras of Siberia comes the khomus, a type of jaw harp used by the Yakut people. The khomus, crafted from wood or metal, is placed against the performer’s mouth, which acts as a resonating chamber. The player plucks the instrument’s tongue to produce a range of harmonic sounds. The versatility of the khomus allows it to mimic natural sounds, from birdsong to the whistling wind, making it an integral part of Siberian shamanic rituals and folk music.
In Africa, the balafon stands out for its vibrant sound and construction. Originating from the Mandinka people of West Africa, the balafon is a type of wooden xylophone with gourd resonators underneath each bar. These gourds often have small holes covered with a thin membrane, traditionally made from spider egg sacs, which add a buzzing timbre to the notes. The balafon is played with padded mallets, and its music is deeply embedded in the cultural and ceremonial life of the Mandinka, used in celebrations and storytelling.
Traveling to the Mediterranean, we encounter the bazantar, a modern hybrid instrument created by American musician Mark Deutsch. Combining elements of the double bass and the sitar, the bazantar features additional sympathetic and drone strings, giving it a rich and complex sound. This instrument’s unique structure allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, blending Western classical and Indian classical music traditions in an innovative way.
The alphorn, a traditional instrument from the Swiss Alps, is another example of an unusual musical creation. This long wooden horn, often stretching over three meters, was historically used by herdsmen for communication across mountainous terrain. The alphorn produces a deep, resonant sound that can be heard over long distances. In contemporary settings, it is a symbol of Swiss cultural heritage, featured in festivals and folk music ensembles.
From the depths of the Amazon rainforest, the didgeridoo emerges as one of the oldest wind instruments in the world. Originating from the Indigenous Australians of the Northern Territory, the didgeridoo is typically made from a naturally hollowed-out eucalyptus branch. It produces a deep, droning sound when blown into, accompanied by a technique called circular breathing, allowing the player to maintain a continuous note. The didgeridoo is not only a musical instrument but also a significant cultural artifact, used in ceremonial gatherings and storytelling.
The glass harmonica, invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761, presents a truly unique approach to producing music. This instrument consists of a series of glass bowls or goblets of varying sizes, mounted on a spindle. The player wets their fingers and gently touches the rims of the spinning glasses, creating ethereal tones. The glass harmonica was celebrated in the 18th century for its delicate and haunting sound, used by composers like Mozart and Beethoven, but fell out of favor due to superstitions about its sound causing madness.
In the realm of percussion, the hang drum is a modern marvel. Developed in Switzerland in the early 2000s, the hang drum resembles a UFO-shaped steel pan. Played with the hands, it produces a rich, melodic sound with harmonic overtones. Its soothing and meditative quality has made it popular among street musicians and in therapeutic settings.
The nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish instrument, combines elements of the violin and the hurdy-gurdy. It features a series of keys attached to tangents which press the strings to change pitch, similar to a keyboard. Played with a bow, the nyckelharpa produces a hauntingly beautiful sound, integral to Swedish folk music.
Finally, the waterphone offers one of the most otherworldly sounds of any instrument. Invented by Richard Waters in the late 1960s, the waterphone consists of a stainless steel resonator bowl with rods of different lengths protruding from the rim. Partially filled with water, it is played with a bow or struck with mallets. The shifting water inside creates eerie, wavering tones, often used in horror film scores and avant-garde music.
