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.)
|
Does a $1 Million Cello Sound Better Than a Standard One?
Talented cellist Wendy Law plays Bach's Suite No 1 on three differently priced cellos - can you hear the difference?
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'
Have Some Fun With an Incredible Mariachi Performance
Stop your daily routine for a moment and go on a journey to magical Mexico through uplifting music.
Enjoy the Dulcet Tones of This Talented Violinist
Enjoy a gorgeous musical piece by violinist Lindsay Stirling
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.
"Under The Sea" Played on BOTTLES?!?
Enjoy the unique tunes of the Bottle Boys band, playing "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid on their handmade instruments!
This Famous Magician is About to Play With Fire...
In this spectacular episode of Penn & Teller, Penn plays with fire.
Such Meticulous, Beautiful Paper Art Is Such a Treat To See
The incredibly detailed and stunning paper art of Maude White.
Andre Rieu Sings a Wonderful Song For a Beloved Singer
Andre Rieu and Orchestra Playing Heal The World By Michael Jackson
This Elegant Gymnast Will Amaze You!
World renown Rhythmic Gymnast Evgenia Kanaeva shows us her perfect form in a remarkable display.
7 Scenes that Show the Impact Paintings Have on Cinema
The world of art is full of references to other famous artworks. Here are 7 examples of this from the world of cinema.
With Paul Simon, Song After Song After Song Is Beautiful
After leaving Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Simon set upon a career of brilliant solo music. Here are 24 of his best records to date!
Henri Matisse: King of the Wild Artists Movement
Henri Matisse has a place in the Hall of Fame of avant-garde art. This article tries to explore why.
Colorful Watercolor Paintings Depict Venice Beautifully
Check out these stunning water color paintings of Venice by Maja Wrońska.
This 'Flying Dragons' Performance Will Kock Your Socks Off
The most incredibly skilled Chinese acrobat group, the flying dragons, put on a great show!
What a Spectacular Performance by 2 Classic Greats!
An exciting performance by two classic greats - Louis Armstrong and Danny Kaye!
This Chinese Singer's Vocal Range Will Utterly Astound You
Although she only placed third in a national singing competition in her native China, Jane Zhang has now become a global star. Listen to her mesmerizing voice.
Farewell Tina: 24 Hits of the Incredible Diva Tina Turner
We invite you to celebrate Tina Turner's life and legacy by enjoying her 24 unforgettable hits that will continue to inspire generations to come.
How Did He Do It? This Magician Leaves the Judges Baffled
Adam Wilber is bringing the fun back to magic, in this creative performance on Penn & Teller's: Fool Us.
Paintings Just Can’t Get Any More Realistic Than This
Emel Espiritu is a self-taught artist who creates remarkably detailed hyper-realistic paintings. Check out his works here.
Behold the Card Trick Master!
It's always great to see someone who is a real master in what he does.
With These Piano Concertos You'll Be in Musical Paradise!
With the magnificence of the orchestra and the intimacy of a piano, these 24 classic piano concertos simply have it all!
What a Funny Way to Illustrate the World's Proverbs!
Artist James Chapman loves proverbs. Here are 20 collected from around the world and illustrated marvelously. The wisdom of these leaps right from the page.
These Paintings of Tigers are Gorgeous and Majestic
Tiger paintings have been a prominent subject in art history, spanning centuries and cultures. Here are some of history's best tiger art.
This Artist's Paintings Seem to Pop Out of Their Canvas...
Be mesmerized by the incredible life-like paintings by the talented Gustavo Silva Nuñez.
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 Unbelievably Talented Fifteen Year Old Will Amaze
Fifteen year old contortionist, Sofie Dossi will absolutely blow you away with her beautiful act.
These Surreal Paintings Will Bring You To Another World
Vladimir Kush's mind-bending, yet incredibly beautiful paintings, will leave you completely astounded. Take a look at them in this post.
10 Life-Changing Books That You Really Must Read!
Every so often you'll come across a book that will change your life. Here are 10 such examples.
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.
Watch Swan Lake Like You Have Never Seen it Before!
Wow, these ballet dancers are so good that they'll take your breath away. Check them out!
This Phenomenal Art Will Trick Your Brain! Impressive!
These intriguing drawings by Pietro Catudella are impressive! Take a look:
This Miniature String Quartet Know How to Spring Surprises
This string quartet called 'Joyous String Quartet' are the most talented musicians of their age I've seen so far!
André Rieu Plays a Terrifically Fun Funiculi Funicula!
A magnificent performance by the incredible violinist André Rieu.
The Visionary Art and Turbulent Life of Caravaggio
Caravaggio is one of the most renowned and celebrated painters today, but his life and art have a bigger story to tell than one would expect
20 Books You Should Read & Reread in Your Lifetime...
Here are the 20 novels you should not only read once, but again and again!
Enjoy Musical Heaven By an Extremely Talented Cellist!
The multi-talented Kevin Olusola uses only his mouth and cello to produce a most amazing rendition to Sam Smith's "Stay with me".
Stunning Underwater Statues From Around the World.
These underwater sculptures may at first glance seem misplaced, but once you find out their special purpose, you will never look at them the same again!
There’s a Side to Michelangelo’s Artwork You’ve Never Seen
Take a look at the work of artist Michelangelo, beyond the Sistine Chapel and the statue of David, and created by him over 70 years.
Amazing! These Women Play the Harp Like No Others!
In our opinion, the harp is one of the best instruments to have ever been created. Don’t agree? Well, watch these four harpists and you’ll change your mind!
From a Simple Drawing Emerges an Artwork of Sublime Beauty
It takes a while for this painting to emerge, but when it does it's amazing. Watch this great video demonstrate how an art piece comes to life.
Il Divo's Astound All With Their Elvis Presley Tribute
Male vocal group Il Divo give Elvis the respect his songs deserve.
Justin and Jeremy - The Dynamic Twin Duo!
These twins just love their music and dancing - and so will you!
The Art of Szilajka Erzsebet Uses Only Pebbles to Make Us!
Szilajka Erzsebet is an artist from Hungary who is inspired by the beauty of nature and uses pebbles to assemble stunning scenes.
This Woman Changes Clothes Faster Than You Can Blink
An incredible magic show that will make you doubt your eyes! But keep them wide open because you're not gonna want to miss this!
Is This What Falling in Love Sounds Like on Piano?
When celebrated young pianist Jarrod Radnich performed this majestic piece at such a glorious castle I could not help but be swept away.