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Your address was given to me as a potential source of "musicology."
A number of years ago, I had an LP (yes, real vinyl) of an orchestral
version of a composition supposedly written first for a mechanical
musical device/machine.  The musical theme was the "Battle of
Waterloo".

As was described on the record label, there were two orchestras placed
on opposite sides of a large stage.  They represented the British and
French forces about to engage in battle.  Bugle calls were bounced back
and forth between the orchestras announcing various calls to arms.

As the musical forces "clashed", there was also the sound of musket
fire (previously recorded).  As was reported, the composition was
initially written as a sort of parody of the 1812 overture so that
places the date of writing perhaps in the late 1800's.

Unfortunately, the record was lost long ago.  I've searched all over
the web for some sort of clue but so far am clueless ;-) .  Can you
help identify the musical work and who the composer/arranger may have
been?  My thanks if you can or cannot as the case may be.

Jerry Hall
gerald.hall@pss.boeing.com
(425) 266-3431

 [ Hmmm...  Might this be a work by Gerard Hoffnung, the brilliant
 [ English cartoonist and musical satirist?  -- Robbie