The history behind the 200-year-old crystal flute Lizzo played in DC

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — It was the flute heard around the world, when singer Lizzo played the priceless crystal flute owned by President James Madison on stage in D.C. this week.

It was loaned to her by the Library of Congress in a move they hope will echo well beyond that one historic performance.

We've all seen this by now, Lizzo playing the historic presidential flute on stage: a quintessential 2022 performer and a flute from 1813.

WATCH: Lizzo becomes 1st to play 200-year flute from Library of Congress at DC concert

But that one moment and its backstory has shed a new, more modern light on the Library of Congress.

"It's pretty thrilling because we want to bring music into everyone's lives and we have concerts that are free and open to the public," said Carolyn Ward, the curator of the musical instruments at the Library of Congress. "This is a whole new level of interest that i hope really sparks you know young people and old people and to get back to music and to listen to music, and play music and enjoy it more."

That was Ward handing Lizzo the priceless crystal flute on stage.

"And I think they knew the flute was in the box and they were just roaring with excitement," she added. "So it was great."

"She got a great sound out of it. She nailed it. She really did," Ward said.

Lizzo practiced at the Library earlier in the week playing in the grand hall.

READ MORE |Lizzo gives President James Madison's crystal flute a public debut

And Ward guided Lizzo through the library's prized global collection of flutes they have had since 1941. Now thanks to Lizzo, we all know about the flute vault. And to those who say historic pieces like this shouldn't be played now, Ward says this is what the benefactor who donated the flutes wanted.

"He wanted the public to have access to these instruments. He wanted them on exhibit, to learn, to study, to understand and to be heard," Ward said.

"Our instruments for 85-90 years have been onstage by great musicians," she added. "And Lizzo's one of them, just a little different stage!"

One other note about the crystal flute: it was given to President Madison in 1813 by a Paris flute maker for his inauguration. It's one of the few things First Lady Dolly Madison saved from the White House when it burned the next year.

"She grabbed the flute," Ward said. "She grabbed the portrait of Washington along with it, of course, as we all know, and she, she saved the flute. She loved the flute."

So she says this is a great way to open the "treasure chest" that is the Library of Congress. They have free concerts. You can even get a library card for the Library of Congress to go and explore.