TELEPHONE HARP CONCERT. Sound Waves Brought Two Miles, and Heard in Union Hall.

Not a large but a very appreciative live audience greeted Mr. Frederick Allen Gower on Wednesday evening, in Union Hall, at his Illustrated lecture and concert on the newly invented instrument, the Telephone Harp. Pearl street, Boston, was called, and Mr. Mathews was asked to play upon the telephone harp, which is an instrument consisting of four octaves of thin steel tongues, set in a steel frame, like a mouth harmonica. Under each tongue is a hammer operated like a telegraphic or pianoforte key. When the keys are played upon, the hammers press the tongues upward, bringing them in connection with a metallic point like that of any telegraphic instrument. When these points are touched by the vibrating tongues, the circuit is opened, the musical note is transmitted over the wire, and repeated at the other end by the telephone. A battery passed electricity through what is termed a Geitler tube, resembling the letter U, and containing hydrogen gas ; and as the notes were played upon the telephonic harp in Boston, the sound waves or vibrations of music corresponded exactly with the flashes of light of various colors, which were thus given out. The hall was darkened of course, during this successful experiment, which the audience unanimously applauded as a most marked and triumphant success of scientific discovery and practical application. A few more remarks were made by Mr. Gower, showing the present commercial success of the telephone, no less than 6,000 being now in use in the United States. Cambridge Chronicle — 26 January 1878

Novel Harmonica Performance from Prof. Goodwall Merck

Prof. G. Goodwall Merck, introduced his musical novelties. He plays the violin, guitar, banjo and harmonica, finely; and also performs the difficult act of playing upon the harmonica, "guitar, drums, cymbals, triangle and bells, at one and the same time, giving a very good imitation of a band of music. Cambridge Chronicle — 27 February 1875

Wholesale Notion House.

S. W. Wren & Co. (Formerly of Natches, Miss.) Keep on hand the largest and most Complete Stock of NOTIONS In the State. MERCHANTS Can find a Full Line of Notions of all Kinds: Soaps, Perfumeries, Stationery, School Books, Hosiery, Table and Pocket Cutlery, Combs, Brushes, Pipes, Violins, Looking Glasses, Fish Hooks, and Lines, &c. Remember the Children and look at our stock of TOYS. Dolls. Marbles. Rattles. rubber Balls. Harmonicas. Jews harps. Jumping Josies, Tops, Toy Watches, and a thousand other articles. Dallas Herald — 21 July 1866

A Promise of First-Rate Entertainment.

On Saturday evening, a duet will be performed by "Professor" T. P. Ryder. on the great organ, and " Professor" Wallach on the "Mouth Harmonica." Subsequently, Mr. patrick will perform a solo on the Mouth Discordica. Altogether, this is high art. The New Orleans crescent. — 6 January 1869

DYER, ROKOHL & BUTLER - AUCTIONEERS AND COMISSION MERCHANTS

Magnificent Furniture OF SAID RESIDENCE, mahogany Chamber Sets; Rich Lace Curtains, Window Shades and Blinds; 3-Ply and Ingrain Carpets; Beds, Bedding, Sheets, Quilts, Pillow Cases, Lounges, Sofas, Whatnots; Dining room and Kitchen Furniture. 1 Extension Dining Table, 1 excellent Cook Stove; Flatware. Cutlery, Glassware Crockery, Etc., Etc. ALSO1 Splendid Pianoforte, full rich and brilliant tone, rosewood case, carved legs and elegant finish — a superior instrument. Also, 1 Music Box, Harmonica attachment; Also, 1 Monkey, classically educated; Also, 1 Talking Parrot! Daily Alta California — 17 January 1866

Mr. Shattuck Receives Triple Encore for his Harmonica Efforts!

Royal Arch Lodge gave an entertainment and festival, Tuesday evening, in Pythian Hall. A decided novelty and feature of the evening was Mr. B. E. Shattuck on the harmonica. The gentleman's efforts were so highly appreciated that he received three hearty encores. Cambridge Chronicle — 22 June 1878

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Something out of the ordinary

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whiskat
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Posts: 192

Something out of the ordinary Sept 16, 2019 11:09:12 GMT via mobile Chuck likes this

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Post by whiskat on Sept 16, 2019 11:09:12 GMT

I hope this is not too far out on a limb. This tune is from a video game. In this game there is a travelling bird playing accordion. His role is a folk musician telling tales from old, often with clues about the game.

I really like this song and it sounds quite authentic to my ears. Of course I have to learn the tune, I love video games and traditional music!

What do you guys think? If I only played the tune with no explanation, what would you assume?

Here it is:

Last Edit: Sept 16, 2019 12:37:22 GMT by whiskat

Sarge
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Posts: 1,708

Something out of the ordinary Sept 16, 2019 13:09:49 GMT

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Post by Sarge on Sept 16, 2019 13:09:49 GMT

That song sounds like something I would here during Octoberfest in Germany, also puts me in mind of an old man playing a concertina on the streets of Venice. It almost has a polka waltz rhythm, but maybe more like a schottichse? You did a good job playing it too.

Last Edit: Sept 16, 2019 16:56:10 GMT by Sarge

The older I get the more I know how little I knew when I knew it all.

whiskat
Senior Member

Posts: 192

Something out of the ordinary Sept 16, 2019 13:39:48 GMT via mobile

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Post by whiskat on Sept 16, 2019 13:39:48 GMT

Thank you Sarge! You know, I have also been thinking that it sounds italian. I know next to nothing about italian folk, but I spose that is what I would expect to hear like.

I don't know who composed this song, but normally these games has pretty solid and original game music. I think maybe it is all by one composer. Not sure though

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