Renaissance master Leonardo Da Vinci’s genius extends even to the current day as Polish pianist Slawomir Zubrzycki brings to life one of Da Vinci’s technical drawings for a unique musical instrument called the viola organista. The sketches from the 15th century depict an instrument that is the mix between a harpsichord and cello with a sound that is reminiscent of a pipe organ at times.
You can hear this amazing instrument in action in the video above and we certainly recommend a listen to those who love unique sounds and classical music. While detailed enough to ascertain Da Vinci’s intentions with the instrument, the sketches were not technical drawings and Slawomir Zubrzycki had to complete the design himself.
Resembling a harpsichord, the viola organista has keys tied to strings tuned from low to high notes like a piano but unlike a piano or harpsichord, the viola organista does not pluck a string but rather it presses down the string onto one of four spinning wheels powered by foot pedals and covered in horsehair like a violin’s bow.