The hydraulophone is an innovative take on the classic organ. The ‘water pipe flute organ’ produces a sound using recycled water, which pressures its way out of tiny holes hydraulically – much like the holes on a recorder and other woodwind instruments. The contemporary instrument was invented by the Canadian researcher Steve Mann and the world’s largest hydraulophone currently stands outside of the Ontario Science Centre and is available for anyone to play.
The water organ is played covering the holes on the curved pipe and diverting the water to a different area with a separate sounding mechanism. If multiple holes are covered, simultaneously the instrument sounds multiple notes, creating a polyphony effect.
The Animals, ‘House of The Rising Sun’, is the 1964 track of choice these two guys decided to cover on the hydraulophone. Their rendition of the track is soothing and the sound of the water pipe mixed with the trickling water creates an overtly calming and peaceful feeling.
