This is how music was played in the days before electronic recording and amplification.
Its primary use was at the fairground to accompany the rides.
In Holland they are still played in the streets. They are called ‘Street Organs’.
Its primary use was at the fairground to accompany the rides.
In Holland they are still played in the streets. They are called ‘Street Organs’.
Q: Where was it made?
A: In England by the Dean Organ Company from Bristol.
It has been decorated in a traditional style to give it a more ‘Continental’ look.
Q: How old is it?
A: Not as old as it looks. It was made in 1982.
Its traditional decoration makes it look older!
Q: Where is the organ based?
A: In Manchester.
Q: Were organs ever run from steam?
A: In the early days, organs would have been powered by a small steam engine. But there
was a steam whistle organ called a ‘Calliope’, primarily used on American Steamboats,
which could be heard for miles!
Q: Are organs sometimes referred to as a ‘Hurdy-
Q: Is it a ‘Barrel Organ’?
A: No. A barrel organ uses a cylindrical barrel with pins that activate the individual instruments of the organ, whereas this one uses a cardboard ‘book’ of punched music, where each hole corresponds to a musical note or percussion instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Organ
