A Strange Concept
The Katzenklavier, or “cat piano,” was described in the 17th century by German scholar Athanasius Kircher. It was an instrument that arranged live cats in a row, each placed in a box with their tails stretched under a keyboard. When a key was pressed, it triggered a mechanism that pricked the cat’s tail, causing it to yowl at a specific pitch.
Historical Accounts
The concept appeared in multiple historical texts. In 1803, German physician Johann Christian Reil mentioned it as a treatment for psychiatric patients, believing the sounds could shock them into responding. There is no verified record of a functional Katzenklavier being built, but written descriptions continued to appear in medical and scientific discussions.
Depictions and Reports
Writers and historians referred to the instrument as a curiosity rather than a practical device. The French writer Jean-Baptiste Weckerlin described it in 1886, and later references appeared in discussions about musical history.
A Notorious Idea
Despite its inclusion in historical texts, no physical evidence exists of a working Katzenklavier. It remains a documented concept rather than a proven invention, though it has been widely cited as an example of unusual historical ideas.
The Katzenklavier, or “cat piano,” was described in the 17th century by German scholar Athanasius Kircher. It was an instrument that arranged live cats in a row, each placed in a box with their tails stretched under a keyboard. When a key was pressed, it triggered a mechanism.🧵 pic.twitter.com/tbwwv9MOx7
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