This massive organ uses stalactites to create the most peaceful music ever
To hear the sounds of the world’s largest instrument, you’ll have to venture down under — ground, that is. According to this clip from The Weather Channel, the “stalacpipe,” an organ made from stalactites, emits the most peaceful-sounding music from its home in Virginia’s Luray Caverns.
Who else thought about an underground instrument and experienced immediate flashbacks to the infamous bone organ from The Goonies? Well, the stalacpipe is similar, except it happens to be way larger, and it doesn’t produce creepy scary movie sounds or try to kill you for playing the wrong note. In fact, the organ’s music is actually more fitting for a bedtime playlist, which is probably one of the only reasons we’d be willing to spend the night in a cave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdNiw7riufY?feature=oembed
According to Mental Floss, the Great Stalacpipe Organ was built in the 1950s by Leland W. Sprinkle, an inventor, musician and scientist. It took three years to complete, spans roughly 3.5 acres and incorporates 37 stalactites that hang like icicles from the cave’s ceiling. When a player presses a key, an electrical impulse goes from the instrument to a rubber-tipped mallet that gently strikes the stalactite, which vibrates and produces those gentle, soothing notes of nature that make us want to curl in a ball and nap the rest of the day away.
We have a feeling that no matter what melody anyone plays on the Great Stalacpipe Organ will qualify as one of the best songs to fall asleep to. Just don’t forget to bring a nightlight.