The Lost Art of Playing Glass

Shaunta Butler

The Lost Art of Playing Glass | FUNK PLUS ONE  S1 • E3 | GREAT BIG STORIES | 2017


Dean Shostak is one of last true masters capable of playing the glass armonica – an enchanting instrument lost to time. First devised in 1761 by Benjamin Franklin, the art of “playing glass” began to fade in popularity as musical fashions changed. Today, there are only eight glass armonica players left in the world. Along with the revival of the armonica, Shostak is also reintroducing an entire family of glass instruments, including the glass violin, the crystal hand bells and the French Cristal baschet.