Few subjects in the world of antique musical boxes conjure more
speculation than that of the rigid notation box.  The name seems to
derive from the precisely placed lines that are inscribed on the
cylinder.  While we all have seen the "vertical" lines that are used to
separate each tooth, or note, from the others, the rarity of the rigid
notation is that these cylinders also have horizontal lines, creating a
sort of checkerboard effect.

The speculation involves the why of these horizontal lines.  Some
believe they represent an attempt to assist with the novice noteur,
or musical arranger; however, that certainly should not be the case
with the Nicole Freres musical boxes.  Others speculate that the lines
were there to assist a noteur of advanced years.  Again, this should
not apply to the premier pieces.  In between, there is some speculation
as to whether it was an attempt at some sophisticated arrangements, the
evidence of which is absent.

The music of the few Rigid Notation pieces I have heard is considerably
above average, but not necessarily spectacular.  Enjoyable, for sure.

Once again we are left to speculate because those who knew chose not to
write of their reasons, or perhaps someone decided that such should not
be published.  There is far more that is unknown than is known about
the world of musical boxes.  That is part of their mysterious charm.
But such charm could be appreciated in a smaller dose in the face of
the void of information we face.

The search is delightful, let's continue.

On the matter of street pianos, there is even less information about
such.  Having once owned one, and knowing of the abuse they typically
endured, perhaps it  is too easy to simply write off the piano as some
sort of unworthy instrument.  They can be delightful.  The only
collection I am aware of that was truly worth listening to was that
owned by the late Mario Marini of Italy.  He had a master tuner who
knew that street pianos were not to be tuned in full steps and
consequently took the time to tune every piano according to its own
unique tuning scale.  The results were worth it, but the time it took
was considerable.

The only member of the MBSI who has any serious knowledge about street
pianos is Jeff Vincent in New York.

Please note: Effective 1-1-98 my new email address is
musicbox@collector.org

Happy Happy,

Angelo Rulli
St. Paul, MN

P.S.: May I request once again that members of the MMD kindly note from
where they are writing?  It's very helpful, especially when writing
from a country other than the U.S.