Watch: Lizzo lent an 1813 flute for the DC show

Lizzo basks in her historic glory after playing a two-century-old crystal flute that once belonged to the fourth President of the United States.

The ‘About Damn Time’ singer and ‘Truth Hurts’ trained flautist shared a series of videos from the highlight of her Tuesday concert at Capitol One Arena in Washington, D.C.

The jubilant musician, 34, said the Library of Congress lent her the 1813 crystal flute to perform briefly on stage. The instrument was given to Madison by Claude Laurent, a Parisian clockmaker and mechanic, in the early 1800s on the occasion of its second inauguration, according to the Library of Congress.

« YALL.. THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LET ME PLAY THEIR 200-YEAR-OLD HISTORICAL CRYSTAL FLUTE ON STAGE TONIGHT – NO ONE HAS EVER HEARD WHAT IT SOUNDS…NOW YOU DO IT, » she said by posting a clip on Instagram.

In the video, the dazzled performer gently picked up his master’s instrument and immediately said « I’m scared » into the microphone.

« It’s crystal, it’s like playing in a wine glass, b—, so be patient, » she added.

The Grammy and Emmy Award winner then played a few notes, appearing shocked and amazed by the « trilling » sound. Seconds later, triumphantly – and gently – she returned the instrument to its handler, library curator Carol Lynn Ward-Bamford, who then returned it to its box.

“I just twerked and played James Madison’s crystal flute from the 1800s! We just made history tonight,” she proclaimed to the audience. « Thank you to the Library of Congress for preserving our history and making history really cool. History is really cool, guys!

Back on social media, the Yitty shapewear founder happily posted another video capturing the moment.

« YALL WE GOT A BETTER VIDEO – YEAH, I’M POSTING DOUBLE BUT I AM THE FIRST AND ONLY PERSON TO PLAY THIS PRESIDENTIAL CRYSTAL FLUTE, IT’S LITERALLY A HERITAGE – LIKE… AS A FLUTE PLAYER, IT’ IS ICONIC AND I WILL NEVER HAVE ONE, » she wrote.

On Twitter, Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, congratulated the musician on her achievement.

« It makes my heart swell, » Hayden replied in response to Lizzo’s first video. “@lizzo you are a gift to all of us. And it was YOU who just made the story a whole lot cooler. We appreciate all the love at last night’s concert. We look forward to seeing you again. #LizzoAtLOC”

The official Library of Congress Twitter account also reassured followers that the coin had returned safely.

“We just did a DNA test. It turns out that: it is 100% that [crystal] flute @lizzo played at his DC stop on the #SpecialTour tonight,” the tweet said. “It’s safe and sound at the library now. Thanks @CapitolPolice for escorting him.

When Lizzo asked if she could play the flute at the concert, the library’s collection, preservation and security teams coordinated the outing.

“When such a precious object leaves a museum or library, to be loaned or displayed in an exhibition, preservation and security are the priorities,” the library said in a blog post on Wednesday. « At the library, curators ensure the item can be transported in a custom protective container and a library curator and security guard always guard the item until it is secured again. . »

The musician also received her flowers on social media, with fans and followers acknowledging the momentous occasion.

« It’s the most fantastic thing I’ve ever seen in the real world omg, » commented musician Grimes. “A mythical crystal flute no one has ever heard play? It’s elves— Congratulations »

« Lizzo, a black female superstar, collaborating with Carla Hayden, the first African American and the first female Librarian of Congress, to use a flute by James Madison, the founding father behind the 3/5 Compromise and also the Library of Congress itself? The symbolism!!!” law professor and observed columnist Tiffany C. Li.

But it was no coincidence that the musician crossed paths with the historic instrument. It was Twitter.

Last Friday, Hayden saw that Lizzo’s special tour was heading to DC this week and decided to titillate her with the « world’s largest collection of flutes » from the library.

Lizzo took the bait and replied the next day with: “I’M COMING CARLA! AND I PLAY IN THIS CRYSTAL FLUTE!!!!!”

She and the library coordinated a meeting on Monday that saw her practice the instrument ahead of the concert, but only after curators from the library’s music division made sure it was safe to play. and without damage, the library said.

“This kind of thing is not as unusual as it may seem. Many priceless instruments in the library are played from time to time, even Antonio Stradivari’s five-stringed instruments,” the library said, some of which were donated to the library with the stipulation that they be played occasionally.

“Lizzo reverently took Madison’s crystal flute in her hand and blew a few notes. It’s not easy, because the instrument is over 200 years old. She huffed a little more when she was in the Great Hall and the Main Reading Room. Then, seeking a more practical flute from the collection, she serenaded the employees and a few researchers. He filled space with music as sublime as art and architecture,” the blog said.

“The cameras broke and the video shot. For your friendly national library, it was the perfect time to show a new generation how we are preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Library’s vision is that all Americans are connected to our holdings. We want people to see them.

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