AUTOMATIC ORGANS

Automatic organs have existed for more than 2,000 years. Interest in these musical curiosities is both worldwide and growing ever larger. From delicate and musically sublime little instruments combined with clocks of the type for which Mozart and Haydn composed music through to the impressive and loud dancehall and street organs, domestic roll-playing organs and the hand-operated organettes, the genre continues to bring pleasure to everybody and to suit all tastes. Much otherwise ‘lost’ music exists today only on early self-playing organs. This comprehensive easy-to-read reference describes the workings, evolution and music of these mechanical versions of the King of Instruments. 79 colour and 538 black and white photos plus many line drawings illustrate examples and explain complex mechanisms. There are 18 Chapters and 6 Appendices that describe how automatic organs work from the legendary water organs of the great Italian gardens, through the curious origins of church and chamber barrel organs, giant orchestrions and street and showground organs right up to the domestic reed and pipe organs and organettes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. An extensive list of makers, inventors and distributors the world over marks a significant first in organ history while a description of modern computer systems for mechanical organs brings the story up to date. This comprehensive reference is aimed at musicians, instrument collectors, historians and students, restorers, museums and enthusiasts. The valuation and price guide includes a thoughtful discussion of the market and its variables.
ISBN 0-7643-2568-X

Owing to the unfortunate inability of the original publisher to meet financial obligations this title is in restricted supply. Copies direct from the Author price £50 plus postage and packing while stocks last.