What is a water organ?
Q: What is a water organ?
A: A water organ, also known as a hydraulic organ, is a type of pipe organ that uses water to power the air blowing through its pipes.
Q: Who invented the hydraulis?
A: The hydraulis was invented in the 3rd century B.C. by the Hellenistic scientist Ctesibius of Alexandria.
Q: How does a water organ work?
A: Water and air enter together into the camera aeolis (wind chamber). Here, they are separated and compressed air is driven into a wind-trunk on top of the camera aeolis to blow through the pipes. Two perforated ‘splash plates’ or ‘diaphragms’ stop any water spray from entering the pipes. The separated water then drives a water wheel which powers musical cylinders and movements attached to it.
Q: Is there an example of an historic water organ?
A: Yes, during the Renaissance many Italian gardens had them, with one of most famous being at Villa d'Este in Tivoli in 16th century Italy which was about 6 metres high and powered by waterfall. It could play three pieces automatically but also had keyboard for manual playing too.
Q: Does modern pipe organs use electricity instead of water?
A: Yes, modern pipe organs use electricity rather than water to power their air flow through their pipes.
Q: Is there any difference between modern pipe organs and hydraulic organs?
A: Yes, while both types use air blown through pipes to create sound, modern pipe organs are powered by electricity whereas hydraulic organs are powered by flowing or falling water such as from a waterfall or river source respectively.
