Viola da Gamba: The Noble Sound Nearly Silenced
Imagine an instrument with the elegance of a cello, but dressed in the finery of the Renaissance. The Viola da Gamba, with its fretted fingerboard and gentle, bowed tone, was once the heart of European courts and salons. Played between the legs like a cello, it flourished for centuries until the violin family stole the spotlight in the 18th century. For a long time, this regal instrument became a museum relic, its music nearly lost to time. Yet, in a turn that surprises many, the Viola da Gamba is now making a comeback. Organizations like the Viola da Gamba Society have sparked new excitement, sharing its deep, expressive sound with a fresh generation. A 2021 survey by the Early Music Network even reported a remarkable 30% growth in Viola da Gamba interest among early music ensembles, proving that this “forgotten” instrument is once again being heard.
Glass Armonica: Music That Drove Listeners Mad?
Few instruments carry as much mystery as the Glass Armonica, invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761. This hauntingly beautiful device consists of spinning glass bowls that are played with moistened fingers, creating shimmering tones that sound almost unearthly. In its heyday, the Glass Armonica enchanted royalty and public alike, but rumors began to swirl that its music could cause madness or nervous disorders—a superstition that hastened its decline. Despite this eerie reputation, the instrument is experiencing a modern revival. Contemporary composers, including Philip Glass, have reintroduced its dreamlike sounds to new audiences. According to recent research, performances featuring the Glass Armonica have surged by 50% over the last decade, defying its ghostly past and capturing imaginations once again.
Sackbut: The Trombone’s Time-Traveling Ancestor
Before the trombone, there was the Sackbut—a name as playful as the instrument’s tone. Used widely throughout the Renaissance and Baroque eras, the Sackbut’s sliding mechanism made it a marvel of its day. Yet as music evolved, the modern trombone took over, causing the Sackbut to fade into obscurity. But it’s no longer just a footnote in music history. Thanks to the early music revival, this ancient brass instrument is seeing a serious resurgence. The International Trombone Association has documented a 40% increase in Sackbut players since 2010, a testament to the renewed fascination with its mellow, golden sound. Historical ensembles now showcase the Sackbut more than ever, delighting audiences with its authentic charm.
Hurdy-Gurdy: The Cranked Curiosity
Few instruments are as visually and sonically unusual as the Hurdy-Gurdy. This medieval string instrument, played by turning a crank and pressing keys, sounds like a cross between a violin and a bagpipe. Once central to medieval dance music, the Hurdy-Gurdy nearly vanished as tastes changed and more modern instruments took over. But in a twist worthy of a fairy tale, the Hurdy-Gurdy has staged an unlikely comeback. Folk and experimental musicians are now drawn to its hypnotic drone and quirky mechanics. Festivals have seen a staggering 60% increase in Hurdy-Gurdy performances over the past five years, proving that this cranky contraption remains as enchanting as ever. Its revival is a vivid reminder that music’s oddities can become tomorrow’s treasures.
Serpent: The Sinister Wind from Church Choirs
The Serpent earned its name honestly—its body coils like a snake, and its deep, breathy voice once guided hymns in chilly stone cathedrals. This bass wind instrument, made of wood and covered in leather, was essential to church music for centuries before being nudged aside by brass instruments in the 19th century. For a long time, hearing a Serpent was rarer than spotting a real snake in the wild. Yet, the Serpent’s unique timbre and history have sparked a modern revival among early music lovers. Concerts featuring the Serpent have reported a 70% jump in attendance, suggesting that curiosity and nostalgia are breathing new life into this old beast. Its winding form and mysterious sound have made it a cult favorite for those seeking something truly extraordinary.
Ophicleide: The Brass Giant That Got Left Behind
The Ophicleide, with its brass curves and majestic presence, once ruled the low end of 19th-century orchestras. Designed to replace the Serpent, it produced a powerful, rounded sound that thrilled crowds—until the tuba’s arrival sealed its fate. For many years, the Ophicleide was virtually extinct, surviving only in dusty instrument closets and rare historical scores. But as interest in “authentic” performance practices grows, so does the Ophicleide’s following. According to recent research, the number of Ophicleide players has doubled over the past decade. Musicians and scholars alike are rediscovering its expressive voice, and specialized performances now bring this forgotten giant back to the stage, filling concert halls with its bold and brassy song.
Cimbalom: The Hammered Heartbeat of Eastern Europe
If you’ve ever heard the shimmering, cascading sound of the Cimbalom, you know how unforgettable it is. This large, hammered dulcimer is a staple in Hungarian and Romanian folk music, yet for much of the world, it remains an exotic mystery. The Cimbalom’s global profile shrank over the 20th century, but within Eastern Europe, it has never lost its magic. In recent years, its popularity has soared, with a 50% increase in performances at folk festivals. Contemporary composers are also drawn to its percussive, melodic possibilities, weaving it into new classical and fusion works. The Cimbalom’s journey shows how a regional tradition can become a global sensation—one hammered note at a time.
Crwth: The Welsh Lyre Lost and Found
The Crwth, an ancient Welsh bowed lyre, is as rare as a mythical creature. For centuries, this instrument was the soul of Welsh music, but it almost vanished from living memory after the 18th century. In a remarkable twist, early music enthusiasts have breathed new life into the Crwth, sparking a passionate revival. Recent reports from Wales reveal an 80% increase in Crwth performances, as musicians and audiences alike rediscover its haunting, resonant voice. Workshops, festivals, and educational efforts are helping to ensure that the Crwth is no longer just a relic of the past, but a living part of Welsh culture. Its story is a powerful reminder of how easily history can slip away—and how thrilling it is when it returns.
Nyckelharpa: Sweden’s Keyed Fiddle Returns
The Nyckelharpa, a Swedish keyed fiddle, is a marvel of sound and craftsmanship. With its rows of keys and sympathetic strings, it produces a shimmering, otherworldly tone unlike any other instrument. Once on the brink of extinction in the 20th century, the Nyckelharpa has made a triumphant return. Scandinavia’s folk revival has seen the number of Nyckelharpa players triple since 2000, according to recent statistics. Festivals, music schools, and passionate musicians are driving its resurgence, and the instrument is finding fans far beyond Sweden. Its revival is not just a musical trend—it’s a celebration of heritage, innovation, and the sheer joy of rediscovery.
Hardanger Fiddle: Norway’s Resonant Treasure
The Hardanger Fiddle is Norway’s answer to the violin, but with a magical twist—underneath its main strings are sympathetic strings that vibrate as you play, creating a rich, echoing sound. This unique instrument nearly faded away as the standard violin became dominant, but determined musicians and cultural advocates refused to let it disappear. Their efforts have paid off: performances featuring the Hardanger Fiddle have grown by 50% in recent years, and it now stars at festivals across Norway. The instrument’s intricate decoration and soulful music make it a beloved symbol of Norwegian identity. Its story is proof that cultural treasures, when cherished, can survive even the most dramatic changes in taste and time.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
