A rare and large Swiss Langdorff Organum Bariton cylinder music box, circa 1880

Description

The mechanism

The nickel plated mechanism with fixed winding has a 49.5 cm. long pinned cylinder. It plays one of eight melodies on three steel combs! The melody indicator is signed Langdorff & Fils and shows which melody is being played as listed on the tune sheet. On the right side are the levers for play/stop and repeat/change (of melody).

The amboyna case

The rectangular case has been veneered with amboyna within ebonised borders. To the top and front a brass, laquer and mother-of-pearl marquetry ornament was inaid. To the sides there are heavy ornamental handles.

Organum bariton

Organum bariton is also referred to as Organocleïde. It is has a low pitch cylinder that has long resonating low notes. A madoline like bass notes can even sound more or less like an organ. It is a step up from the sublime harmony that combines two combs. This box has three combs playing together causing a superb, warm and rich sound with many extra embellishing notes.

The program

1. Martha Ouverture Flotow
2. Lohengrin Prelude Wagner
3. Il Trovatore Duett Verdi
4. La Mascotte les gens sensés Audran
5. Beggar Student Laura Waltz Millöcker
6. Robert Le Diable Quand Meyerbeer
7. Contes d’Hoffmann serenade Offenbach
8. Aïda March Verdi