Review of the Spirit of Independence orchestrion video.
  by Stephen Kent Goodman

This video is not a slick, commercial sales video, but an honest-
to-goodness demonstration of the most important innovation in the art
of orchestrion building yet produced.  For those of you looking for a
professionally produced, edited, directed video of broadcast quality,
read no further.  But if you are honestly interested in where
orchestrion building has come, and where it may go to, this tape
is a 'must have'.

Craig Brougher needs no introduction; author of the "Orchestrion
Builder's Manual & Pneumatics Handbook", he has demonstrated many
innovative approaches to the art of automated acoustic musical
mechanism design that represent his own thinking -- not re-hashing
a design used by a manufacturer of many years ago.  He stresses to
_create_, not to simply _build-up_.  He certainly has achieved the
ultimate example of his own philosophy with "SofI", the nickname for
his "Spirit of Independence" orchestrion.

This machine is not a "build-up"; rather, it is a carefully thought out
and designed concert orchestrion, seemingly in the same league with the
Hupfeld Super Pan, and Philipps' "Paganini" orchestrions, doubtless the
most sophisticated automatic orchestras ever built.  "SofI" has many
features setting it apart from these classics, however.

The most obvious is that unlike the old classic machines, "SofI" is
designed for the crowd to view the instruments as they play.  Poly-
carbonate swell shades help accomplish this, as well as give the
instrument an overwhelming expression advantage.

Various lighting effects are also used, including black lights and
unusual mechanical "traveling" lights (just a little too 'pizza parlor'
for my tastes, but some may really enjoy the variety).

The most important aspect of "SofI", I feel, is the aspect of MIDI
control.  Now, electrically controlled player instruments are nothing
new: look at the Mills Violano, the remotely played echo orchestrion
cabinet made by Imhof & Muckle (electro-pneumatic), and certainly the
Tel-Electric player piano -- all examples of electrical music data
transportation.  Craig has simply used MIDI to provide the playing
notes and controls for this instrument.  It also can be played by
the O-roll, but considering the great number of pipes and effects,
why would one choose to?  It is all pneumatic: there are no solenoid
controls except to activate the initial playing valves.  If you have
had doubts or questions about the possibilities of MIDI controlled
orchestrions, this videotape should help you make up your mind.

Although Craig and I disagree strongly when it comes to musical styles,
the program of tunes he has chosen more than effectively demonstrates
"SofI's" potential.

Also, the instrument's MIDI system can be run off a small, compact
unit such as the QRS Pianomation disc player, either placed in the
orchestrion's cabinet or from a distance (not unlike the Telectric
player piano console of the 1910s and 20s) rather than from a full-on
computer, which I see in the background of the video.

Anyone who enjoys and/or studies large classic orchestrions and their
development needs a copy of this video.  "SofI" is a major innovation
in this field -- a milestone in technology and design -- and this video
is a worthy addition to any mechanical music enthusiast's library.

The video costs $25 post-paid and is available from either
Craig Brougher <craigbr@mindspring.com> or from John Tuttle
<john@player-care.com>, or visit Craig's web site for more
information at  http://player-care.com/cb/

Stephen Kent Goodman