Pyrophones and Explosion Organs!

Pyrophones, also known as explosion/fire organs, are musical instruments which are sounded by explosions, fire, rapid combustion, rapid heating, and other thermoacoustic devices. The combustion occurs inside of the actual resonance chamber (the pipe). Fire organs are said to have been around since the 1700s! Modern pyrophones are usually powered by propane torches or gasoline. Some automobiles have been modified to power/ignite pyrophones and decrease gas mileage.

The image and video below is about a gas organ created by the London based science and art collective Experiment 1. The organ is powered by propane torches and controlled by a radio transmitter. “Constructed from freely available plumbing, electrical and laboratory components, the Gas Organ is a fusion of art, science and engineering, beautiful in its clinical appearance and mesmerizing in its auditory effect.”

A similar concept from the Michigan School of Art & Design:

A completely different type of sound (more like what you would expect form an explosion organ):

The pyrophone below is an amazing work of art and sound. “The Pyrophone Juggernaut. Based on a 250 year old experimental musical instrument, Hubbub Music’s ‘Pyrophone Juggernaut’ is the largest hand-operated multi-octave fire organ in the world. Deep growls, atavistic moans, and even choral sounding timbres combine with epic bell chords, industrial drums and acoustic bass. This giant flame fuelled instrument, made from stainless steel, copper and aluminium industrial salvage, will create a spectacular unearthly concert of heart pulsing rhythms, ethereal melodies and sub-sonic percussive drones.”Past Present Future Please let me know if you have a video of this pyrophone beast! Check it out:

Image credit: lushaki

Other sources: Wikipedia