Da Vinci invented the “viola organista” – which looks like a baby grand piano – but never built it, experts say.
The viola organista has now come to life, thanks to a Polish concert pianist with a flair for instrument-making and the patience and passion to interpret da Vinci’s plans.
“This instrument has the characteristics of three we know: the harpsichord, the organ and the viola da gamba,” Zubrzycki said. [U]nlike a piano, it has no hammered dulcimers. Instead, there are four spinning wheels wrapped in horse-tail hair, like violin bows.
Just how many gadgets did da Vinci come up with but never build?