The Harmonica

         The harmonica, also called the French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument. It is played by blowing air out by playing ones lips over individual holes (reed chambers), or multiple holes for a fuller sound. Pressure caused by blowing or inhaling into the reed chambers will cause vibrations which produce sound. There are many different kinds of harmonicas, including diatonic, chromatic, tremolo, octave, orchestral, and various bass versions.

         The harmonica first appeared in Vienna, where harmonicas with chambers were being sound in the early eighteenth century. Joseph Richter was credited with inventing the blow and draw harmonica in 1826. In Germany, violin manufacturer Mr. Meisel from Klingenthal bought a harmonica with chambers (Kanzellen) at the Exhibition in Braunschweig in 1824. He and the ironworker Langhammer in the 3-mile-away Graslitz copied the instruments; by 1827 they had produced hundreds of harmonicas. From there the instrument grew in popularity, now being one of the most sold instruments in the United States. Today Hohner is the largest manufacturer of this instrument. 

         The harmonica is primarily used in blues, American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It also appears in popular music, metal, progressive, and bluegrass. The harmonica is also used for medicinal purposes. Playing the harmonica requires inhaling and exhaling strongly against resistance. This action helps develop a strong diaphragm and deep breathing using the entire lung volume. Pulmonary specialists use the harmonica to rehabilitate COPD patients. 

Congratulations! You are the lucky recipient of (1) video: Awesome Harmonica Player Train Song.    and also several pictures: