

Angelic Music
The Story of Benjamin Franklin's Glass Armonica
Author: Corey Mead
Narrator: Paul Boehmer
Unabridged: 4 hr 21 min
Format: Digital Audiobook Download
Publisher: Tantor Media
Published: 10/18/2016
Categories: Nonfiction, Biography & Autobiography, Historical Biography, History, Us History
Synopsis
In Angelic Music, Corey Mead describes how Franklin's instrument fell out of popular favor, partly due to claims that its haunting sounds could drive musicians out of their minds. Some players fell ill, complaining of nervousness, muscle spasms, and cramps. Audiences were susceptible; a child died during a performance in Germany. Some thought its ethereal tones summoned spirits or had magical powers. It was banned in some places. Yet in recent years, the armonica has enjoyed a revival. Composers are writing pieces for it in genres ranging from chamber music and opera to electronic and pop music. Now Mead brings this instrument back to the public eye, telling the compelling, fascinating story of its origins.