In reference to John Miller's question about salon music in 011128
MMDigest of November 28th, I'd like to refer readers to pages 87-88
of my new book "The Golden Age of Automatic Musical Instruments," where
I describe the history and musical qualities of salon music and salon
orchestrions.

The first generation of roll-operated German orchestrions, including
examples such as the Philipps PianOrchestra, Hupfeld Helios, and Popper
Felix, did a very good job of performing attention-getting music with a
certain amount of expression.

After these instruments had met with great commercial success, each
major German orchestrion manufacturer designed new, more refined and
sophisticated orchestrions for the purpose of playing salon music.
They generally include variable speed vibrato and variable-speed swell
shutters, with several expression levels for the pipes, and reproducing
or near-reproducing expression mechanisms for the piano and percussion
instruments.  Examples include the Philipps Paganini, Weber Maesto,
Popper DeLuxe Salon orchestrion, and Hupfeld Pan Orchestra.  (The same
instruments were later adapted to play the new "jazz" music, much of
which was transcribed from American dance band records.)

When I researched the meaning and background of "salon music" for my
book, the design and construction of salon orchestrions and their music
roll arrangements all became more clear.  Right now, plans are being
made for an exciting, informative concert at the Krughoff Collection
during the 2002 Musical Box Society national convention in the Chicago
area, in which the differences between various German orchestrions will
be demonstrated.  Performances will include comparisons of a Philipps
PianOrchestra and Paganini, a Hupfeld Helios and Pan Orchestra, various
Weltes, Poppers, and others.

(Unabashed plug: for greater understanding and musical appreciation of
these instruments and their music, read the material in the book before
attending the convention!)  I hope to be on hand to answer musical and
mechanical questions during the concert.

Art Reblitz