Harmonium - The Pipe Organ-Like Instrument

A Harmonium is a musical instrument, a self-standing musical keyboard, similar to a Reed Organ or Pipe Organ. It consists of free reeds and the notes are produced by air being blown through reeds that produce a sound similar to that of an accordion. The air is supplied by a hand-operated bellows alternately depressed by the player.

Description of the Harmonium

Harmoniums are in the family of free-reed aero phones. Harmoniums look like pipe organs, rectangular-sized box with key on the upper length. Each harmonium has a bellows at the back that is pumped with one hand while the other hand plays the keys. Inside they contain multiple compartments. There are different sections of free reeds in each compartment. The dimension of each reed in the bank produces a different pitch. Engaging Stops directs the pumpd air to various compartments. Each playing Key and each Drone controls the air through the reeds within a compartment. When the Drones are engaged, they provide a lasting harmony note and are played in unison with the keyboard.

They used to be popular in churches and chapels where a pipe organ could not be used due to being too large or too expensive. Harmoniums are lighter than similarly-sized pianos and are not as easily damaged in transportation, thus they were also preffered throughout the colonies of the European powers in this period- not only because it was easier to ship the instrument out to where it was needed, but it was also easier to transport overland in areas where proper roads and railways were not existent.

The British introduced harmoniums to India during their ruling period. The instrument quickly became popular there: it was portable, reliable and easy to mater. Its popularity has increased to the present day, and the harmonium is an important instrument in many types of Indian music. It is commonly found in Indian homes. Though derived from the designs developed in France, the harmonium was developed further in India in unique ways, such as the addition of drone stops and a scale changing mechanism. A popular usage is by practitioners of different faiths, who use it in the devotional singing of prayers, called bhajan or kirtan.

There is at least one harmonium in any mandir (Hindu temple) around the world. The harmonium is also commonly accompanied by a drum known as the tabla or by the mridanga. Many Hare Krishna devotees have mastered this instrument and offer their services by playing beautiful music during the kirtana services and ceremonies at the temples.

Countries of the World and Their Instruments

The world is a colourful place with everyone speaking different languages, wearing different clothes and having differing cultures. The countries of the world also differ in the instruments we play. Each is highly unique and played all over the world. Here are some of the biggest countries of the world, and their instruments:

America

Famed for its Country and Western music, America's most famous instrument is the Banjo. The banjo has long since stood as the symbol of South American heritage, and has since found popularity all over the world. With its unique sound, the banjo has played a huge part in popular American music for over 200 years.

Africa

Africa is known the world over for its amazing array of musical instruments, and none are more traditional and famous than the handheld djembe drum. This type of African instrument, pronounced 'jem-bay', was originally played in religious ceremonies but is now a regular feature in many drumming circles and schools.

India

North India's most famous musical instrument is the Sitar. The sitar is made up of metal frets and up to seven main cords. This instrument has grown in popularity all over the world and is now taught in many schools in the US and the UK.

Spain

The perfect accompaniment to the native Flamenco dancing, Castanets are one of Spain's most famous instruments. Castanets are held in the hand and used to produce rhythmic accents through a series of rapid clicks. Tradition dictates that they are made of hardwood, although fibreglass alternatives are becoming increasingly more common.

Scotland

Scotland is, of course, the home of the bagpipes. This instrument is recognisable the world over, and produces a highly unique and beautiful sound. Bagpipes have always been played to accompany dancers but have become increasingly common all over the world in recent years. This instrument, is also notoriously difficult to play which only adds to its allure.

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