The brilliant Leonardo Da Vinci designed many devices - he created the first plans for tanks and helicopters, designed devices for chemistry and engineering, and also - musical devices.
500 years ago, Da Vinci made plans for the 'Viola Organista', an instrument that combines the keyboard of a piano with the sound production mechanism of string instruments such as the cello or the violin.
Now, half a millennium later, the viola organista has been actually built, following the old genius's schematics. Hear the unearthly sound of a one-of-a-kind musical instrument. If you're a music lover, you're in for a treat - a new musical instrument that sounds like nothing else.
When playing, the organist generates sound by bringing steel strings into contact not with quick-acting padded hammers (as with a traditional piano), but with spinning, horse-hair-lined wheels that the player keeps in motion via a foot pump. When a key is pressed, the string touches the wheel-bows, producing the note. (You can see this about 4 minutes into the video below.)
|
This Version of Hallelujah is So Serene and Special
Violin prodigy Karolina Protsenko and the talented saxophonist Daniele Vitale joined forces, in this incredible duet of Leonard Cohen’s classic ‘Hallelujah'
Listen to a Magical Rendition of "Bésame Mucho" by Il Divo
Prepare to be entranced by Il Divo's rendition of one of the most enchanting love songs ever written - Bésame Mucho.
This Classical Duo's Music Will Touch Your Soul, Guaranteed
Watch the legendary Anre Rieu perform alongside Gheorghe Zamfir, as they treat their audience to Lonely Shepherd, live from Bucharest.
Every Music Lover Must Hear This Guitar Duo Perform
Listen to this dazzling guitar performance by the unique musical ensemble called the ShowHawk Duo.
Enjoy the Dulcet Tones of This Talented Violinist
Enjoy a gorgeous musical piece by violinist Lindsay Stirling
Amazing! 4-Year-Old Prodigy Plays the Piano Like a Master
Evan Le is only 4 years old in this video and plays the piano like a master. Absolutely incredible!
Full Length Concert: The Most Magical Classical Gala!
The most incredible classical gala full concert
André Rieu Welcomes Spring With Angelic Music!
A gorgeous musical performance by renowned Dutch musician Andre rieu.
Timeless Quotes That Show the Staggering Power of Love
Learn more about the world's most popular play ever written, with these ten quotations and matching contextual explanations.
This John Lennon Song Reminds Me it's Good to Be Older
This beautiful presentation takes us through the annals of "Borrowed Time" - a great and meaningful song by John Lennon.
You've Never Seen a Magic Act Like This Before!
This young man stuns an entire audience with his innovative and mind-boggling close-up magic tricks.
How Is This Possible?! This Artist Draws Like a Printer
This artist earned the nickname “the printer man” for having a unique skill of drawing freehand in small increments, just like a printer
Did You Know These Famous Artworks Have HIDDEN Messages?
The 7 famous paintings and sculptures we showcase in this article have secret messages waiting to be uncovered!
This Beautiful Dance is Unlike Any Other
This performance takes the art of dancing to a whole new level!
Nostalgia: 12 Great Songs by The Mamas and The Papas
If you're a fan of The Mamas and The Papas, you're going to love this collection of their greatest song.
This Dance Performance Is Unlike Anything I've Seen
This performance is astounding! Take a look!
These Realistic Works of Art are Made with a Ballpoint Pen
Take a look at Andrey Poletaev's stunning ballpoint pen art.
Impressive! I Can't Believe What This Illusionist Does!
If you love a good magic trick! You'll love this!
This Emotional Duet Gave Me Goosebumps of Pleasure
These two world-famous artists are amazingly talented singing alone, let alone when they join to give an emotional duet like this.
10 Stunning Renaissance Buildings That Survive to This Day
This article will walk you through 10 incredible examples of Renaissance architecture around the world.
A Gorgeous Cover of a Beautiful Classic...
Watch two incredible artists use voice and cello to bring this classic song to life.
Hear 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' Like Never Before!
See a stunning adaptation of the holiday classic, 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,' sung by the super-talented Pentatonix.
This Artist Turned Her Unique Paper Art Into a Living
Portuguese artist Sena Runa's beautiful paper quilling art has resulted in her amassing a staggering 100,000 followers. Take a look at her unique work here.
INTERACTIVE: 12 Greatest Hits by Ray Charles
In this interactive post, we celebrate the musical legend Ray Charles with a carefully curated selection of his 12 greatest hits.
Spectacular! What an Innovative Form of Art This Is
Have you ever seen sculptures, brooches and decorations like this before? Check out this stunning art!
Is This Pavarotti's Most Iconic Performance?
What an amazing voice Pavarotti had! I will never tire of listening to him.
When It Comes to Paper Art, This Woman is the Best!
Malena Valcarcel has been making miniature paper art for many years. Here's a selection of some of her works.
This Interpretative Dance Made Me Scream With Laughter!
Watch David Armand ridiculously mime Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now,' while a couple of audience members try to guess the song. Hilarious!
This 2-Year-Old Can Dance As Well As Elvis
He may be just 2-years-old, but this boy can dance like the King!
Interactive: Click to See Gorgeous Street Art!
Please enjoy some of the most recent works of this talented French artist, who created incredible art out of the facades of buildings.
Collection: The Most Remarkable Cakes in the World
12 posts filled with gorgeous photos of the most remarkable cakes.
These Realistic Paintings Open Up a World of Beauty
American artist Harry McCormick captures the beauty of interior scenes with his striking realist paintings.
This Family Makes Art. The Beach is Their Canvas
This family creates art together! Imagine what it would be like to wander on the beach and see their work in progress.
This British Artist Creates Sculptures You Won't Believe
Take a look at these impressive sculptures created by famous British artist, Alex Chinneck.
André Rieu's Gorgeous Rendition of "I Will Follow Him"
Andre Rieu takes this classic song and turns it into a performance with so much passion and talent that it seems almost new again. Extraordinary!
Let Vivaldi's Music Breathe Renaissance Beauty Over You
Vivaldi is one of the biggest names in all of musical history, and now you can hear why with this collection of 24 of his finest compositions.
If You're a Married Man, This Song Has Some Advice For You!
Timothy Hawkins, in this hilarious song, sings about what you should not say to your wife if you want a long life. This will make you cry with laughter!
This Adorable 5 Year Old Plays the Piano Like a Virtuoso
This 5 year old plays piano so well, she's a real master of the craft.
10 Fantasy Movies Both Kids and Adults Should Watch
Now is your chance to experience the magical and captivating stories that emerge when humans, elves, monsters, and dragons come together.
This Performance Shows Amazing Coordination & Precision!
The most beautiful nutcracker dance I've ever seen, the precision alone is outstanding.
The Beauty of Female Portraits Through the Centuries
This video is truly a testament to that statement that it is a small artistic world after all.
This Cirque du Soleil Performance Will Make Your Jaw Drop
It's no wonder that the Cirque du Soleil is the most famous acrobatic troupe in the world when they're capable of performances like these. Watch it right here.
Mona Lisa's House: Where Da Vinci Painted His Masterpiece
The following photos will allow you to take a peek inside the home of the woman who intrigues millions of art and history lovers around the world.
Let 'The Sugar Plum Fairy Dance' Excite Your Xmas Spirit!
What poise ballerina Nina Kaptsova displays in this gorgeous performance of Tchaikovsky's most Christmassy dance!
Relax With a Few Moments of Heavenly Music
Take a few moments for yourself. Close your eyes and let the smile spread on your face as this sweet music spreads in the air.
You Can't Watch This Performance Without Falling in Love...
Alice Fredenham seduced her judges when she delivered this immortal performance of 'My Funny Valentine'.