Glass Harmonica · Verrophone
Vienna Glass Harmonica Duo
The glass harmonica is a unique instrument that makes entire rooms vibrate. It dates back to Benjamin Franklin, whose “new glass machine” was celebrated in the concert halls of Europe more than 200 years ago—from Vienna to Paris, London to Naples. The Vienna Glass Harmonica Duo brings this lost treasure of sound back to life.
The Instrument
A Resonant Rarity with Historical Radiance
Developed by Benjamin Franklin in 1761, the glass harmonica is one of the most fascinating instruments in music history and inspired composers such as W. A. Mozart, L. v. Beethoven, C. P. E. Bach, and many others to create works specifically for it.
Sound of the Centuries
Heard in the most significant concert halls of Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, the glass harmonica was considered a musical sensation. Today, it is experiencing a renaissance on the modern stage.
Tradition in New Resonance
The Vienna Glass Harmonica Duo builds upon this tradition, bringing the instrument back to the center of the classical concert world with interpretative depth and authentic tonal awareness.
Christa and Gerald Schönfeldinger
The World of Glass Sounds
The world of glass sounds opened up to Christa and Gerald Schönfeldinger in the early 1990s. Following their violin studies and initial years in the orchestra, a musical riddle in the Salzburger Nachrichten led them to the glass harmonica—an instrument that would henceforth define their artistic path. They are among the world’s leading performers on the glass harmonica and verrophone, expanding historical playing techniques with new tonal and contemporary expressive possibilities.
They have performed with renowned orchestras and ensembles such as the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, BBC London Philharmonic, Klangbogen Wien, and the Amati Quartet. Invitations have included the Salzburg Festival, Klangbogen Wien, Int. Mozart Week Salzburg, Carinthian Summer, the PROMS…
Numerous CD recordings document their artistic work.
Two Instruments
When the Glass Harmonica is Advertised, but the Verrophone is Played
The glass harmonica and the verrophone are two clearly distinct instruments. If a glass harmonica is announced but a verrophone is played, this does not correspond to the announced instrumentation.
At the Heart of the Sound
The
Glass Harmonica
What the Press Says
Mozart Week
Salzburg
"There was a mysterious and incomprehensible, almost otherworldly
atmosphere full of ethereal shades. A great and truly
compelling success!" 
Unearthly
Sound
"The orchestra seems to breathe in slow throbs, [...] each expanding note cluster feels denser than the one before, and the result is a mesmerising, fascinating piece."
Mozart Week
Salzburg
"An impressive conclusion to the Salzburg Mozart Week. With precise playing, the two artists demonstrated an exceedingly delightful program."
Dynamic Nuances
“The glass harmonica and the verrophone unfold their full potential—from the finest dynamic nuances to complex harmonic structures.”
Modern
Fantasies
"The old glass instruments also produce modern fantasies. Suddenly, they were no longer just contemplative instruments." 
Brilliant
Perfection
“Whatever the Schönfeldingers play—and they do so with ‘brilliant’ perfection—earthly and celestial happiness sets in for the listener.”
