Harmonica masterpieces: world-class performances you should hear at least once
Harmonicas can produce bright, cheerful sounds or resonate with a touch of melancholy—there’s so much to love about them.
They’ve long been beloved around the world, and there are countless wonderful songs that feature harmonica playing.
So in this article, we’ve picked out classic tracks where you can really savor the harmonica.
It’s a fun instrument to puff away at on its own, but when added to an ensemble, it can deliver a surprisingly strong presence.
Why not take this opportunity to start playing the harmonica?
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Harmonica masterpieces: World-class performances you should hear at least once (31–40)
BoleroLarry Adler
Born into a Russian-Jewish family in Baltimore, he began playing the piano at the age of six.
At ten, he became the youngest precentor in his local choir.
He later taught himself the harmonica and arranged pieces so he could perform, on harmonica, violin concertos by Bach and Vivaldi, as well as Ravel’s Boléro and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.
My BabeLittle Walter
Born in the U.S.
state of Louisiana, he is famous as a blues singer and blues harmonica player.
His classic blues number “My Babe,” with its style of entering the vocal after a harmonica intro, is really cool.
He died at the young age of 37 due to injuries from a fight that occurred when he was performing at a club in Chicago.
Truly a blues life.
Gershwin MedleyRobert Bonfiglio
In the world of classical music, the harmonica player often called a “master” is Robert Bonfiglio.
The video is a medley of George Gershwin’s famous pieces performed with an orchestra, showcasing his remarkable expressiveness.
Kua Kua Kome KikiSväng
Sväng is a four-member harmonica group from Finland.
Every member is highly skilled, and their tightly synchronized performances are a highlight.
They’re a popular group not only for their technique but also for their charming stage presence, which is a must-see.
TabooTommy Morgan
He is a harmonica studio musician who has been active since around the 1950s, contributing to more than 500 film scores and television theme songs, and leaving behind many wonderful works.
He may be the most-listened-to harmonica player in the world.
You can hear his sound on recordings by the Carpenters and Simon & Garfunkel.
Harmonica masterpieces: World-class performances you should hear at least once (41–50)
The Camellia Ladykawaguchi shōgo
He dramatically advanced the development of the harmonica in Japan.
In 1913 (Taisho 2), at the age of 22, he modified the note layout of the tremolo harmonica—originally developed in Germany—into a Japanese style, enabling melodies to be played even in the lower register.
This became the foundation of today’s Japanese tremolo harmonica.
The video is an arrangement and performance of a piece from La Traviata for harmonica.
Sonata in A Minor for Solo FluteJohn Sebastian
An American classical harmonica player, he was one of the pioneers who incorporated the harmonica into classical music, alongside Larry Adler and Tommy Reilly.
The singer-songwriter of the same name, John Sebastian, is his son.
Playing classical music on the harmonica seems to require quite a bit of technique.