European Folklore:
* The Banshee: This Irish mythical creature is often associated with a mournful wail, which is sometimes attributed to a self-playing harp.
* The "Self-Playing Violin" Legend: There are several versions of this legend, but they often involve a haunted violin that plays eerie melodies on its own, usually foretelling doom or tragedy.
* The "Devil's Fiddle": In many folk tales, the devil is said to use a fiddle to tempt or harm mortals. This fiddle is often described as playing itself, driving people to dance until they drop.
Other Cultures:
* The Japanese Tengu: This mythical creature, often depicted with a long nose, is associated with the shakuhachi flute. Stories depict the tengu as being skilled flute players, capable of making the instrument play on its own.
* The "Ghostly Lute" of China: In Chinese folklore, tales exist about haunted lutes that play haunting melodies, often associated with the spirits of deceased musicians.
In Literature and Film:
* The "Music Box" in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart": This box plays a chilling tune that serves as a symbol of guilt and paranoia.
* The "Piano" in the movie "The Sixth Sense": This piano, seemingly playing on its own, is a key element in the film's exploration of the supernatural.
Beyond the Supernatural:
* The "Automatic Musical Instruments": While not strictly self-playing, these mechanisms like player pianos and music boxes used complex mechanisms to produce music, which could have given the impression of the instrument playing itself.
The Appeal of Self-Playing Instruments:
The allure of instruments playing themselves likely stems from our fascination with the unexplained and our desire for the "impossible." These stories tap into our fears of the unknown and the power of music to transcend human limitations.
Whether it's a mischievous spirit or a clever invention, the idea of an instrument playing itself adds a touch of magic and mystery to the world of music.