Jesse Ahmann Plays a Glass Cello in the Crystal Cavern
I stumbled across this video recently and couldn't believe what I was seeing: a cellist playing a fully functional cello made entirely of glass. The performer is Jesse Ahmann, and the instrument was created by glass artist Gary Word. Watching it in the Crystal Cavern is surreal—the natural acoustics of the cave combined with the glass cello creates something you have to hear to believe.
How Does a Glass Cello Even Work?
When I first heard about glass cellos, I thought it was a joke. But watching Ahmann play, it's clear this isn't just a novelty instrument. The glass produces a bright, crystalline tone that's different from a wooden cello, but it's absolutely musical. The sound is almost ethereal—it cuts through the cavern in a way that feels magical.
Meet Gary Word: The Artist Behind the Glass Cello
Gary Word is the craftsman who built this glass cello. He's been working with glass and music for years, combining his skills as a glass artist with deep knowledge of how instruments need to be constructed to actually work. This isn't some decorative piece—it's a real, playable instrument that took serious engineering to create. You can see more of his work and learn about his process at wordarts.com.
What makes a glass cello different:
- The tone: Brighter and more crystalline than wood
- The look: You can see straight through it while playing
- The challenge: Glass is rigid and unforgiving—it requires different bowing technique
- The durability: Built to handle the physical demands of professional performance
Why the Crystal Cavern?
The choice of venue matters here. A regular concert hall would work, sure, but there's something about performing in the Crystal Cavern that amplifies everything special about this instrument. The natural reverb bounces off the cave walls and makes the glass cello sing in a way that feels almost alive. It's not just a performance—it's an experience.
This Changes How We Think About Cellos
For centuries, cellos have been made from wood. It's tradition. But performers like Ahmann and craftspeople like Word are proving that innovation doesn't have to abandon the classical tradition—it can expand it. A glass cello still plays Bach. It still requires the same technical skill. It just sounds different, and sometimes different is exactly what you need to fall in love with music all over again.
Watch More Amazing Cello Performances
If you loved this glass cello performance, check out these other incredible cello performances: