Cristal baschet improvisation

Marc Chouarain Officiel – Cristal baschet improvisation !

Great performance!

The Cristal Baschet is a contemporary musical instrument developed in 1952 by the brothers Bernard and François Baschet.

Metal rods are embedded in a heavy plate to form the elements. Each metal rod is accompanied by an attached glass rod. The metal rod’s length, weight and position at the equilibrium point determine the sound’s pitch. The glass rod is gently stroked with a wet finger to produce sound. The vibration of the rod with greater amplitude and weaker pressure is transmitted into the metal fitting. This causes a transformation in the vibrations and the shape of the wave produced. The vibrations propagating through the metal have a high pressure and a weak amplitude. This amplification in pressure is the result of fiberglass cones that are fixed in a wood frame alongside a tall, cut-out metal part in the shape of a flame. “Whiskers,” placed on the side of the instrument, amplify high-pitched sounds. The Cristal Baschet is also known as the Crystal Organ and the Crystal Baschet. The range of a concert instrument is 5 octaves.

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Peter Theremin thereminist, Theremin Today header, great-grandson of Leon Theremin