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
DId anyone notice that there are 2 versions of The Old Country Church. Sebastion’s ABC notes I got but it differs from Chucks. One version goes into Shall we Gather at the river. The traditional one seems to be the one starting with There’s a place dear to me. Youtube singers have different words although they all seem to get the melody . The more I tried to look into it the more I got confused. I finally discovered one in Traditional Bluegrass Music but haven’t played it yet.
It's ok to play this tune your own way. It is an old Gospel number. I have heard it sung at bluegrass festivals for many years. It is often done by several singers in different ranges who sing it in harmony. Some people are going up in pitch when others are steady or going down in pitch. That's one of the charms of this type of song. As long as everyone harmonizes with the chord progression it is all good. I would bet the song existed before anyone wrote the music on paper. Just listen to the vocal version and then play it like you feel it.
Rex’s advice. Play it my own way. Trouble is I’ll never play well because I’m a perfectionist. I can’t go off and play notes to add to the song. If I have the music I want to play it as written. Chuck, I’ll have a go now I’ve made some sense of the song. Thanks to both for the advice.
Rex’s advice. Play it my own way. Trouble is I’ll never play well because I’m a perfectionist. I can’t go off and play notes to add to the song. If I have the music I want to play it as written. Chuck, I’ll have a go now I’ve made some sense of the song. Thanks to both for the advice.
Back in the 90s I played in a bluegrass band. We played 2 or 3 weekends a month for 6 years and got invited back to play many places again each year. I was the only member who could read music. Our banjo player was of the opinion that reading music may hurt your performance. He said we should just feel the music and let it out. That worked well for him. I usually did better if I understood the music more.
I envy those who can play after just hearing a tune. It takes me a considerable time, especially when there are sharps added. If I have tabs I can work out the melody but I try to get the music so I can manipulate he key for easier playing. Yet if when playing I blow the wrong note I instantly know it. So I have some ear for music. As far as putting in fancy bit’s I’m hopeless. Even where to play a chord or not I’m ignorant so vamping solves that problem. I’ve had my diatonic days. The harps are all blown out. I’m trying to master the chromatic. I get pleasure playing to myself and trying to remember when to push the slide. So i’m happy.