August 14, 2023
Blog by Thomas Lack

The Harmonium is Available Now!

One of the most delightful instruments out there, the Harmonium can be quick to lighten the mood with its bright timbre. Or, it can add rich and sonorous texture to a dark atmosphere. It is really easy to get creative with the Harmonium - I think that that, along with its portability, is one of the reasons it has become popular in so many cultures. Now that we have the harmonium in Soundpaint, I am excited to see what else it can do!

The original harmonium was invented by Alexandre Debain in France and initially known as the "orgue expressif" or "expressive organ." The instrument's popularity quickly spread, and it found its way to India through colonization. There, the harmonium underwent modifications, adapting to the musical needs and preferences of the region, and this version of the Harmonium is the most common today.

It quickly became integral in many folk music circles, both in India and abroad. It remains popular today in many musical traditions, and I think that it's one of those instruments that can really make an impact if you use it somewhere unexpected (but not so much that it sounds out of place). It’s really magical like that - so don’t forget to reach for the harmonium when you need a sprinkle of pixie dust to tie a track together.