Buzz
Musicians often described as 'flaming' or 'on fire' are typically praised for their exceptional skill and passion, though these terms are rarely meant literally. However, the timeless allure of fire and music occasionally merges into instruments that are truly ablaze. These creations vary widely in design and complexity, as seen in these ten examples. Caution: such projects are hazardous and should only be attempted by experts.
1. Flamebone or Frankenhorn
Jonathon Crawford, known as Pyro, integrated fire into his trombone using what seems to be an acetylene torch. Inspired by this, Scott crafted his own "Flamebone" (shown here) by attaching a torch and an air compressor to his instrument.
With a fireball range of 21 feet and a shockwave extending 150 feet, this instrument is challenging to play due to its intense recoil.
It should go without saying that this is highly dangerous and must never be attempted indoors.
2. Tubatron
Animator David Silverman, renowned for directing The Simpsons Movie and numerous episodes of the TV series, is also a musician. He performs on the Tubatron, a fiery Sousaphone equipped with a propane tank that powers the flames he manipulates. Catch his performances annually at Burning Man or on YouTube.
3. Flaming Tuba
The Sousaphone isn't the only fire-breathing bass horn out there. A street performer in Bratislava, Slovakia, plays a flaming tuba, captivating audiences. While details about him are scarce, his performances have been captured on video multiple times.
4. Pyrophone
The term pyrophone translates to 'fire sound.' This instrument consists of a series of pipes, similar to an organ or calliope, but produces sound through combustion within the pipes, typically fueled by propane or gasoline. Essentially, it’s the perilous counterpart to the hydraulophone. Early versions from the 18th and 19th centuries mimicked pipe organs but operated like steam calliopes driven by internal combustion. Modern pyrophones are often DIY projects exploring explosive technology, as demonstrated in this video. Nathan Stodola created the pyrophone shown here, naming it the Thermoacoustic Organ or Fire Organ. Propane supplies the heat, while liquid nitrogen cools the pipes, enabling quicker reuse compared to other pyrophones. Watch Stodola’s Fire Organ in action in this video.
5. The Pyrophone Juggernaut
The Pyrophone Juggernaut is a fire organ that produces music by directing blowtorch flames into its pipes. Witness a performance in this video. Image by Flickr user John Goodridge.
6. L'Orgue à Feu
French sculptor Michel Moglia created the L'Orgue à Feu in 1989. This massive fire organ measures 7 meters in length and 9 meters in height, featuring 200 stainless steel tubes of varying sizes. Experience a performance of this extraordinary instrument on YouTube. Image by Thierry Nava.
7. Fire Horn
Ariel Schlesinger had a revelation when he realized that a butane canister for refilling lighters was more affordable than compressed air. This inspired him to create a Fire Horn, powered by butane, which not only saves money but also adds a fiery spectacle to the sound. While it may sound risky, Schlesinger showcases the flaming horn on his website.
8. Ruben's Tube
The Ruben's Tube, also known as a standing wave flame tube, originated as a scientific demonstration of the connection between sound and pressure. A tube perforated with holes is filled with flammable gas and connected to a speaker. Sound waves create pressure variations, causing the flames to dance. Invented in 1904 by German physicist Heinrich Rubens, this device is both an educational tool and a mesmerizing light display. Watch how music influences the flames in this video. For those interested in building their own, online instructions are available.
9. Syzygryd
Syzygryd is a collaborative musical installation created for Burning Man 2010. Three musicians operate computerized controls positioned at equal distances around a 60-foot-wide circle. While they can see each other, they are too far apart to communicate verbally. Instead, they monitor each other's inputs on a screen. Their music controls a central sculpture, described as a "massive metal tornado of cubes," which synchronizes lights and emits flames in rhythm with the music. Syzygryd can also perform preprogrammed compositions without live musicians. Image by Flickr user Michael Broxton.
Syzygryd became a huge hit at Burning Man, with numerous attendees eager to try their hand at playing it. Even those without musical expertise can create harmonious sounds, as the instrument is designed to generate cohesive chords regardless of input. However, the controllers do produce distinct melodies.
10. Musical Flamethrower
To conclude, here's a unique instrument crafted from an array of flamethrowers of varying lengths. While the creator remains unknown, this performance was captured at the Preston Riversway Festival in Preston, Lancashire, England, in July.
