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title: 'What is a harmonium?'
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date: '2026-10-19T15:07:22+00:00'
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summary: 'The harmonium is a keyboard free-reed instrument, patented by Debain in 1840, whose keys let bellows air reach vibrating brass or steel reeds.'
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  FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is a harmonium?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 The **[harmonium](/instrument/harmonium)** is a keyboard free-reed instrument. Pressing a key lets air reach a thin brass or steel tongue, which vibrates and sounds while the key is held and the bellows supply air. Alexandre Debain patented it in Paris in 1840.



 

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 ###  Instruments (1) 

- [   Harmonium The harmonium is a hand-pumped reed organ of Hindustani classical, devotional and semi-classical music, introduced in the 19th century and standard in Indian…     ](/en-in/instrument/harmonium)
 
  

 

 

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