THE HARMONIUM - ITS HISTORY AND HOW IT WORKS

Jonathan Scott presents an introduction to the instrument known as The Harmonium, including the history, sound, and how it works, with examples on instruments from the collection of Pam & Phil Fluke.
Film, Sound & Animation: TOM SCOTT
Filmed at: MANTRA HOUSE, KEIGHLEY, UK
MUSIC & INSTRUMENTS USED:
Musical Extracts & Instruments:
00:00 César Franck (1822-90)
Quasi Allegro (No. 1 from Suite No. 3 in D Major from L’Organiste)
Harmonium by Mustel, Paris No. 62 (1863)
01:40 Music improvised by Jonathan Scott
Orgue Expressif by Reisner, Paris (c.1832-4)
02:11 César Franck (1822-90)
Quasi Andante (No. 3 from Suite No. 3 in D Major from L’Organiste)
Standard Harmonium by Debain, Paris No. 5355 (c.1858)
03:07 Alexandre Guilmant (1837-1911)
Canzonetta Op. 28
Art-Harmonium by Mustel, Paris No. 1023-779 (1900)
04:35 César Franck (1822-90)
Poco Allegretto (No. 1 from Suite No. 1 in D Major from L’Organiste)
Harmonium by Mustel, Paris No. 1245-945 (1904)
07:16 Georges Bizet (1838-75)
Caprice (No. 3 from Trois Esquisses Musicales Op.33)
Art-Harmonium by Mustel, Paris No. 1023-779 (1900)
08:44 Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens (1823-81)
Hélène-Polka (No. 8 from Morceux pour Orgue-Mélodium)
Harmonium by Mustel, Paris No. 1245-945 (1904)
10:10 Traditional Welsh Air (arr. Scott)
March of the Men of Harlech
Harmonium by Mustel, Paris No. 1245-945 (1904)
10:58 Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
Carillon de Longpont (No. 21 from 24 Pièces en style libre Op. 31)
Portable Folding Reed Organ made for Salvation Army, England (c.1926)
11:17 Tom Scott
Prologue (from Prologue, Epilogue & Gigue - 2018)
2 Manual Harmonium by Mustel, Paris No. 349 (1882)

[@mallutuppad]

I think India is the only country which took optimum use of this instrument and till today it is extensively used in Indian classical music every where , mainly in temples and cultural festivals..! Great Video Scott Brothers...!

[@calvinkey8088]

The Mustel is mind-blowing!! I'm literally flabbergasted at the complexity of that instrument!!!

[@zaxarrrr3659]

Blimey! This Mustel guy really made a mechanical synth. Such craftsmanship! Would take a lifetime for me to build one

[@l000kin]

Awesome video! I am playing harmonium by our church services, because we have no pipe organ. First I was really disappointed, that I cannot play "real organ", but after some time I realized, that harmonium is also interesting instrument. And your videos are for me very inspiring! Thank you and greetings from the Czech Republic.

[@Ailanto]

Pipe organs lack expressivity, that's why i don't like them

[@youtube_user]

Thank you, Johnathan! From my early childhood I have been used to harmoniums in our village community. 50 years ago, those instruments stood in many conservative, Christian households. Nobody really knew how to play them well, so all I remember are dull hymns in dull private services. A nightmare. 2 years ago I had to accompany a church service in a location where there was nothing but a harmonium. Only then I realized that a lot of music was originally written for a harmonium. I’ve started investing in restoring neglected instruments. Next year there will be a series of concerts on different harmoniums. Most people have become fans after listening to Elgar or Larriu on a harmonium. Thank you for your excellent introduction here on KZbin!

[@westerncondor1132]

I love harmonium music so much

[@lars1588]

Such a fascinating instrument. The tone from the reeds with the celeste stop pulled sounded almost electronic, yet it is all mechanical and pneumatic.

[@EURIPODES]

I'm convinced our defining characteristic as a species is our passion and obsession for music.

[@annahopp]

Thank you so much for this homage to the Harmonium. For decades, this was the main instrument at my church. It is very sad to see so many of them posted for free in the United States.

[@incoref]

Thank you!

[@alwynfrench1122]

Thank for the demonstration and history of the organ

[@FabioBadalamentiComposer]

Hello. I am an organist. As a child I always hated the harmonium, because they didn't make me play the pipe organ. Now that I'm 49, I love this tool and this thanks to you and you have your videos. I am buying a Harmonium and I think I will devote myself full time to the repertoire for this fantastic instrument. Thank you

[@dogstuff8337]

Lovely video! Thank you so much for this.

[@ravipawar8403]

Highly appreciated these so sweet sounding Paris harmonium and your beautiful presentation..I am from Mumbai India have two simple harmoniums with kaseril paris reeds but not so highly sofisticated like this..thank you so much Jonathan, god bless you!

[@jimfogle184]

Well worth the time to watch. EXCELLENT presentation.

[@tomdewith594]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@Wayne_Robinson]

I appreciate the detailed info about that Mustel harmonium including the breakdown to its components. Your videos have increased my existing respect for the level of engineering and craftsmanship that went into creating these instruments (pipe organs included). It's clear how important having a deep knowledge of these incredibly unique instruments is to using them properly... it's the opposite of being able to show up in town and rent a Nord Electro 3 or whatever.

[@decomanjoel]

Wonderful presentation! Thanks Jonathan and Tom.

[@bruce8209]

very very nice filmed, demonstrated and instruments! beautifull sound, never heard before so nice. and what a high level technic! Thanks for this film!

[@leavewe]

That percussion almost sounds electric, sounds so cool

[@nigelperry8863]

Fascinating. Never heard of Mustel! Want one!!

[@markgustus6172]

That's a fascinating video, and answers many of my questions about harmoniums. Sincere thanks to the Scott brothers and to Pam and Phil for sharing their splendid collection.

[@johnferguson4089]

A wonderful video and demonstration of these fabulous instruments. I did not know that Mustel used hammers to excite some of the reeds, what an ingenious idea for prompt speech.

[@robertforrester578]

Wonderful presentation. Just plain old good work. Thanks from Philadelphia

[@garfixit]

Wow you are amazing

[@udnvodigital2181]

htps://chillingbones.tribe.so, spreading jokes

[@xaviox]

"The pirate ship" organ! (As I'd referred to it as a child). I'm lucky enough to own an old reed organ (with a beautiful 16' bourdon) stop so I understand their magical allure. Great upload! 👍👌✌

[@rjmblack]

Very well crafted presentation - Concise and easy to understand - Thank You Johnathon and Tom and thank you Pam & Phil

[@snijin9255]

can you explain! how harmonium works

[@MrMayAllDay]

Thank you so much for this insightful video! I have restored 2 American reed organs to date, and I can confidently say they are the most fun, expressive musical instruments I have ever played. I am saddened that public interest in these type of gems has plummeted in the past century. The capabilities of these instrument (devoid of electricity) boggle the mind and remind us of the master craftsman and artist of the past.

[@linoleumbonypart385]

Once bought an 1870s American one for a few pounds at auction …it came out of a small church … my young son could pick up a tune easily and played it

[@carolinel.smoogen9818]

This brings back happy memories of my Granny playing her organ at home and the chapel organ. I had quite forgotten the sound.

[@JBridges1092]

Absolutely fascinating. Thanks for sharing!

[@clydesight]

Wonderful video and instruments and the sound! Fantastic. Thanks so much for this video!

[@victoriakeating8150]

Such an interesting presentation! I Googled “How does the Harmonium work” and discovered your excellent video. I’m learning the harmonium and am now in awe of its rich history. And Victor Mustel! Such artistry and passion.Thank you very much for this great film!

[@daltonewton3]

Fantastic! This video deserves much more views!

[@udnvodigital2181]

Musical instruments have a nature chillingbones.tribe.so, share humor

[@HelioCoelhoJunior]

Amazing instrument ! Thanks for the great video.

[@carlhenrikjanson1959]

Very interesting

[@antonhasselberg1412]

Thank you! This was very helpful indeed!

[@philorgue]

Remarquable ... Merci ... Wonderful ! Merci aussi a Pam et Phil !

[@daryleharris1021]

Gentlemen: I absolutely love your talent! Your musicianship is amazing and I love to hear both of you play. Best to you from Georgia, USA!

[@robertramsay5963]

Thanks, Jonathan. I'd always been curious regarding how these instruments worked and you've solved the mystery.

[@sanjayroy219]

As an Indian I can say that it is very popular in india, both in city and villages harmonium is everywhere.

[@scronx]

Absolutely love it. Thank you so much!

[@harilaljashvir3306]

He is one of the best singer with classical music of. Real. Sound of signings of prayers to wards the real love towards the real devotees prayers to listen this guy you may be surprised when he singing and if you can understand the words of meanings

[@jobrunenberg-accordion]

Great explanation! Many similarities with the free bass accordion!

[@eosborne6495]

Fascinating! My only experiences with the harmonium have been with the small hand-pumped variety used in Indian kirtan music. I had no idea such complex harmoniums existed!

[@seanc3362]

The pop band “For King and Country” play a harmonium. Came here to learn about it. Thanks!

[@jimmyslover3179]

This Film is just fabulous, and really peaked my interest. Amazing part of the European flair of music.

[@StockAvuryah]

thanks, great vid

[@tomar3]

This video much like the harmoniam was bloody brilliant. Thank you

[@auntielisa]

I was utterly fascinated by this video. Loved understanding about the inner workings, and I couldn't get enough of the brilliantly nuanced Mustel instrument. A master artist indeed!

[@edwardsmusic]

Thank you so much for this awesome video! I'm currently writing music for a movie that has a Harmonium part in it, so this has been a great resource for me!!

[@ronaldhorton2438]

Thank you so much, this is so interesting.

[@kokvannood5994]

many thanks for this excellent video about the French harmonium history and your wonderfull use of this instruments

[@willemkossen]

Wonderful, thank you! I wish i owned a harmonium.

[@kogcyc]

This is a superb introduction to the harmonium. Thank you so much for the time and effort.

[@Prabhath_the_Dawn]

Inspiring 😎✨👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@QHarefield]

Fascinating! Thank you.

[@ivanmay7890]

The instrument Roger Hodgson Supertramp used

[@antonhoward7968]

Great stuff, I've just acquired a Hattersley to restore dated between 1855-1883. I needs a little sympathetic love to bring it back to life, but it's a beautiful little thing.

[@Organgrinder1010]

In the U.S. early last century parlor organs, reed organs, were quite popular but because they work on vacuum, not pressure, the brighter harmonics seem to be "swallowed" with the inhaled air. None are anywhere near as interesting or as versatile as these marvelous instruments nor do they have the dynamic range. Many thanks for such a detailed account of their development.

[@Lucius1958]

The adoption of the suction bellows in American organs seems to have been due to that same 'swallowing' of the higher harmonics, rendering the tone less 'reedy' and more 'mellow'. The discovery of reed 'voicing' seems to have aided this, as the American market preferred a more subtle, 'organ-like' tone.

[@janegraham9713]

Hi, this instrument is so good and I am going to be getting one for my living room.🎹

[@zoltangz]

AMAZING !!!!

[@yuricovalesky933]

Amazing video! Very instructive and well made! Congratulations!

[@MartinPerez-ql4yz]

Impresionante Jonathan!!!!----eres todo terreno!!!!

[@Aalii6]

very nice

[@bakuami-g-coda]

wonderful video! thank you!

[@divslomin]

Superbly made video… thank you so much for putting it together!

[@heidispawsandfins]

That was really fascinating. I'm amazed at what is packed in, inside what looks like a simple instrument from the outside. Pure genius. Thank you for putting this together and sharing.

[@lerpack455]

Absolutely amazing. l have learnt so much in such a short time. l have repaired a few American and French reed organs for fun. Beautiful presentation.

[@larrystewart2506]

ABSOLUTELY ENCHANTING, INFORMATIVE, AND DELIGHTFUL! 👍🏻🏅❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@user-74652]

It's quite amazing what a big sound can be produced by such a small instrument.

[@francescopolo2621]

Thank you for this interesting video, I really enjoyed discovering such a marvelous instrument.

[@gerhardlesch3615]

You are documenting history. Much appreciated. Keep it up with more!

[@Nicolas-zb9uw]

Exceptional video !!!!

[@Kawartha65]

Very interesting …. seeing this instrument popping up more and more in contemporary jazz recordings serving as a kind of spiritual drone effect holding the bottom end down .

[@kelvinleigh]

Harmoniums were once commonly use in churches in Jamaica.

[@user-ov8ei2ep8o]

harmonium is also very popular in indian semi classical and some folk music, i didnt knew it was not invented in india, but whenever i hear its sound it always sound indian and i cant undo it

[@charleskesner1302]

Very interesting and informative thanks.

[@kartikkalia01]

In India we have air pump in hand i.e. Play with one hand while pump with other.

[@googleuser3163]

I like the Indian one better personally

[@gondolacrescent5]

I’ve worked on 3 French Harmoniums here in Canada but I haven’t seen one in a while. I’m much more appreciative of their mechanical complexity now than before and I’ve never heard the percussion feature used either, though I was always aware of it. I had no idea the Mustel organs were that rare ......he only made 500? Incredible! I sometimes wondered why I never came across one although I think I know where some of Mustels Celestas are “hidden”. Thanks very much for the effort to produce such a fine video and help restore the credibility of these marvellous instruments. All the best to you!

[@brooksiefan]

Wonderful! Instruments of an era not yet under the hegemony of the recorded sound.

[@Celesta-schiedmayerDe]

very impressing !

[@user-zj3ig7uh5m]

great! thank you!

[@Video7Rose]

This is so interesting, I watched it 3 times straight! It was surprising to see how easily and quickly a harmonium can be disassembled, but it makes a lot of sense, since it must be prudent to dust and clean the interior regularly. This also solved a puzzle for me, as I was wondering how you control the flow of air, so that only the reeds you play respond, and not all the reeds each time. The Mustel harmoniums are treasures, not only for their beautiful sound, but also because they all were built to such high standards by people with enormous pride in their products! Thanks Jonathan for your enlightening narration! You are an excellent teacher, to go with all your other talents! We're so lucky that you own a harmonium, a Mustel at that, and that you play it for us. Thanks to Joan Metcalf for recommending this video to me, to Tom for producing the video (and the "Prologue, Dialogue and Gigue"), and thanks to the Flukes for allowing Jonathan to demonstrate all these instruments! I've become a real fan of the harmonium because of the Scott Brothers!

[@I967]

Absolutely beautiful presentation, very well done. And that percussive sound! Sounds a lot like an electronic organ or even a synthesizer! Thank you for such a nicely made video.

[@snijin9255]

can you explain! how harmonium works

[@markvonbargen1036]

fascinating!

[@WillieWagglestick]

Really interesting video, thanks.

[@markmonzo4262]

great video.

[@vickypawson9126]

We have one that was rescued from a bus stop in Harrogate in the 1980's. It currently lives in Poland and is being restored at the moment - it's a 1838 made in Massachusetes. Do you recommend an ideal beginner's guide to playing the harmonium ? I have been looking for one

[@_chary990]

Insane! Raucous! Wonderful!

[@leviguedes1968]

Perfeito!

[@martinwall8006]

Tomorrow I jam with a fellow from India who will be bringing in his harmonium! Weee! I told him I want to study the Hindi language and some of it's culture. He's a music master from India and I'm a crazy piano player. What fun! Thanks for this insightful video VERY well produced!

[@nswerhun]

this man is great

[@pr.obedeabreudesousa3090]

Muito bom!!!

[@davalenelivingston3352]

Beautiful instrument and fascinating history. Thank you for the excellent demonstration and talented playing. I have heard a portable harmonium played at the Ananda Church in Portland, Oregon. I went there years ago and enjoyed listening to it as part of their service. This is a cooperative spiritual community dedicated to the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda so it is based somewhat on Indian culture and beliefs of people there and in other parts of the world.

[@rajpoottravels7084]

Nice 👍

[@Syfoll]

I'd say that a big contributor to their revival are The Beatles and Ivor Cutler

[@tracygriffith9041]

When I was younger one of the church had a pipe organ but they were enlarged the worship space they had a English reed organ the minister played it for me one lady told me it was over 200 years old

[@vinodsharma9958]

Wha ji kya bat hai ji

[@YoungGameBeatTube]

Really great video! I hope there will be a few songs played on these on your channel. I'm guessing the short segment at 07:15 was improvised?

[@Modeltnick]

The American reed organ was in practically every home and church in the US. See Estey Reed Organ.