Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
ancient hydraulis, pipe organ, church organ
College
Fine Arts and Communications
Department
Music
Abstract
The ancient hydraulis is the earliest precursor to the modern pipe organ and the first keyboard instrument. The word hydraulis comes from the Greek words for water (hydro) and pipe or chamber (aulos). The hydraulis was invented in the 3rd century B.C. by Ctesibius, an engineer from Alexandria, Egypt. A hydraulis creates pressurized air using the weight of water. The pressurized air is delivered by a key mechanism to pipes which create an audible sound.
Recommended Citation
Macdonald, David M. and Powley, Dr. Harrison
(2013)
"Building a Working Model 1st Century Hydraulis,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 2266.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2266