Flute Harmonique 1867 - 1900

The "Flute Harmonique", of unknown date, was made by Maurice Baduel. Baduel's invention comes out of a period of experimentation with sound and music. While Baduel's personal story remains somewhat obscure, we might consider this invention in relation to its social context. During a time when industrialization was rapidly transforming society, instruments such as the "Flute Harmonique" represent an intersection between technology and art. The attempt to mechanize musical expression can be viewed alongside broader efforts to quantify and control various aspects of human experience. Although we lack specific statements from Baduel himself, the presence of this instrument prompts us to reflect on the human desire to create harmony. Does the "Flute Harmonique" allow for new forms of expression? In a world increasingly shaped by mechanization, this instrument invites us to consider the emotional and experiential dimensions of art.