Posted by Aaron Lowe (63.24.117.164) on May 14, 2000 at 21:13:30:
In Reply to: Harmonica as an instrument posted by HMC on May 07, 2000 at 22:24:35:
: Questions:
: 1. Is the Harmonica "officially" considered an orchestral instrument? By whom? When?
: 2. If so, is it considered a woodwind? Reed?
: 3. Any sources or citations?
: Thanks much. This is a GREAT site.
I don't know if I can answer #1 as I'm not sure what you mean by an "orchestral" instrument. However, the harmonica is built with 2 reedplates that contain 10 reeds on each plate (on the standard diatonic harmonica. Different harmonica reedplates contain various amounts of reeds).
An excellent resource on the harmonica is a book called "Harmonicas, Harps, and Heavy Breathers." I own the book and I refer to it all the time. The first couple of chapters contain information on the origins, history, and mechanics of the instrument. Then the book chronicles all the best players in the various genres it has been played in (blues, country, folk, classical, jazz, etc.).
You can get the book at most book stores, although it might be out of print. Otherwise, call up some of the harmonica vendors and see if they have it.
Aaron