14
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
MECHANICAL OR&UINETTE COMPANY.
T the front of the makers of mechanical musical instrument manufac-
turers stands the Mechanical Orguinette Co., of 831 Broadway, New
York. They may be considered practically the pioneers in this line of busi-
ness, which has been a success of the most pronounced description from the
start.
Their instruments are continually growing in favor with the public, and
although their patents in this line exceed 50 in number, they are continually
preparing fresh novelties. Their latest effort has been the production of an
instrument of the reed organ class which combines the two qualities of a
mechanical instrument and the ordinary reed organ. This remarkable
instrument is so constructed that while the theme of a piece of music is
played mechanically, the accompaniment and variations can, at the same
time, be played on the keys.
Of course this pre-supposes considerable musical skill on the part of the
performer, but it overcomes to a great extent the objection which has been
made to these instruments, viz., that of being purely mechanical and lacking
in expression.
As yet there have only been made two of these instruments as samples,
"but from what we have seen of them we think they are likely to be the most
popular novelty yet produced by this enterprising concern.
The Mechanical Orguinette Co. are meeting with considerable demand
for their large pipe organs for private music-halls ; they have given great
satisfaction wherever used, and possess remarkable qualities of power and
sweetness of tone.
A new style of their small orguinette has lately been placed on the mar-
ket, having some convenient improvements connected with the rolling of the
paper sheet in which the music is perforated ; the exterior has been beauti-
fied, and a great deal of new music has been prepared for it and it will no
doubt be one of the prominent features in the fall trade of this house.
A
THE A. B. CHASE ORGAN CO.
THOUGH BURNED OUT THEY ABE NOT DEFEATED.
j H E fire that on Friday night, Sept. 3, destroyed the factory of the A. B.
J_ Chase Organ Company, concerning which we were able to give a short
account when going to press with our last issue, proves to have been one of
the most disastrous ever suffered in Norwalk, Ohio.
The fire was discovered between 7 and 8 P.M. in the central
portion of the building, and it was at first supposed that the watchman and
engineer had succeeded in extinguishing the fire, but it broke out again, and
was soon beyond control.
The fire department was early on the ground, but the water supply was
deficient, and on account of the large amount of combustible material con-
tained in the building its destruction was rapid, and only a few tools and 4A
organs which were on the first floor were saved. In an hour the great organ
factory was a heap of ruins, none of the property of the company being
saved except the articles above enumerated, and the lumber in the adjoining
yard.
The A. B. Chase Organ Factory was built in the fall and winter of
1875-6. The original building was 40 x 100 feet; three stories high ; and
constructed of wood with an iron roof. There was a brick engine-house
25 x 35 feet, and a brick dry-house 20 x 40 feet, both with iron roofs. In the
spring of the present year an additional building 40 x 80 feet, and three
stories high, adjoining the original building, was erected.
The directors of the company met at their office in Norwalk on Monday,
Sept. 6, and though no definite conclusions were reached, the general feeling
•was that the company should go to work again as soon as possible.
The A. B. Chase Organ Co. had a high reputation, and were doing a
prosperous business. It is an exceedingly unfortunate circumstance that
they should have their producing power destroyed just at the begining of
the fall trade. We feel sure that the company has the sympathy of the
entire trade, and we hope to soon see them under way again.
September 20th, 1880-
Leland's collection were entered by the makers for competition. The cases were in bail\
walnut, ebony and gold. Messrs. Leland also showed a finely arranged case of musical
merchandise.
A case of the Missenharter band instruments was exhibited by the local agent, C. H_
Bowker.
The Loring & Blake Organ Company had a collection of 14 parlor organs, illustra-
ting the scope and resources of their establishment. The instruments in this exhibition
ranged in price from $40 to $1,200.
•-»*'*$
C. L. Gorham& Co. made a large exhibit of pianos and organs bearing their own
name. Two upright pianos, one baby grand, a grand square and a common square, and
two organs make up the collection. Messrs. Gorham also showed a case of musical.
merchandise.
W. C. Ellis & Co., of Worcester, showed two square pianos from Woodward &
Brown, of Boston ; a grand-upright from Hazelton & Brothers, of New York, and three
of the celebrated Estey organs.
The Taber Organ Company, of Worcester, had seven instruments, illustrating their
various grades and styles.
The concert by the Fitchburg Cornet Band, was of a high order. The audience
seemed to appreciate it, and the various selections were pleasantly received.
AWARDS.
Musical Instruments—Best display of instruments, Charles L. Gorham & Co., gold
medal ; Loring & Blake Organ Co., silver medal ; Hallett, Davis & Co., bronze medal j
best grand piano, Hallett, Davis & Co., silver medal ; C. L. Gorham & Co., bronze
medal ; best square, W. C. Ellis &Co., silver medal for Woodward & Brown ; C. L.
Gorham & Co., bronze medal ; best upright, Hallett, Davis & Co., silver medal ; Hazel-
ton Brothers, bronze medal ; best display of band instruments, Charles H. Bowker, sil-
ver medal ; C. L. Gorham & Co., bronze medal ; reed organ, Loring & Blake Organ
Co., both gold and silver medals ; best parlor organ of not less than four and not more
than six sets of reeds, five octaves, Loring, Blake & Co the silver, and Taber Organ Co.
the bronze medal; best parlor organ, with not more than two, three, five sets of reeds, or
their equivalent, Taber Organ Co. the silver, and Loring & Blake Organ Co. the bronze,
medal.
Mr. L. J. Wheelden, of Bangor, the gentlemanly musical expert, who has for two
successive years served as the representative from Maine upon the jury of awards, in con-
nection with the musical instruments at the New England Fair, left September 11, for
New York, with his family.
J. BAUER & CO.
The following article appeared in " Des Freiheits Freund (Sept. 3), Pittsburg, Pa.:
" These well-known piano-manufacturers, (J. Bauer & Co.), whose factory is at New-
York, with extensive warerooms at Chicago, are for the first time represented in our E x -
position. Their instruments are situated close to the large organ, and are really extraord-
inary fine specimens. The exhibit is composed of one parlor Grand, one square and one
cabinet Grand (upright). Aside from this beautiful exterior, we must direct special
notice to their highly artistic qualities. The tone is even and clear throughout the entire
scale, and the action is of a most satisfactory quality to the player. We have often heard
these instruments played, and are convinced that they are in every respect equal to the.
best now manufactured. The Bauer pianos are so well-known and their superior qualities
so firmly established, that a further recommendation will not be necessary. Mr. Jno.
Riehling is the agent for Pittsburg. Mr. Riehlingis himself a pianist of some merit. The
visitors of the Exposition can convince themselves of this every evening, by calling at the
displays of the Bauer Pianos."
The following is an extract from a letter received from our agent at Pittsburg, Mr.-
Jno. Riehling, dated Sept. 4:—" The three pianos have arrived, and are set up In the Ex-
position, and meet with excellent satisfaction, especially the cabinet Grand. One of the
instruments is already sold, and the others as good as sold. Prospects for the fall are good-
Your pianos can be compared favorably with Steinway, Chickering, Decker Bros. &c."
PATENTS.
232,037. MANUFACTURE OF CELLULOID. John W. Hyatt, Newark, N. J., assignor to
the Celluloid Manufacturing Company, New York, N. Y. Filed May 11, 1880.
231,978. MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. Oliver H. Arno, Wilmington, assignor
to American Automatic Organ Company, Boston, Mass. Filed March \i, 1880.
232,165. MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. Oliver H. Arno, Wilmington, Mass.,.
assignor to James Morgan, Brooklyn, N. Y. Filed Jan. 24, 1880.
232,182. VIOLIN CASE OR BOX. Daniel Hess, Newtown, N. Y. Filed May 11, 1880.
CARD FROM JAMES LEWIS.
232,231. FINGER-EXERCISING MACHINE. Francis L. Becker, Galveston, Tex. Filed
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Sept. 16, 1880.
March II, 1880.
Charles Avert/ Welles, Esq.,
232,269. PIANOFORTE. Azariah H. Hastings, New York, N. Y. Filed Dec. 30,,
DEAR SIE :—I would feel obliged if you will please insert a few lines as
1879-
relating to the failure of William H. Ivers. When I saw the article in your
paper I was annoyed to see that it was insinuated I had notes from W. H.
Ivers, and not him from me. The facts are these : the rascal E. C. Daniell
came to Springfield, and actually obtained from me $1,266 worth of accomo-
dation notes for Mr. Iver's benefit. On the 5th of August he came and got
two renewals to take up two notes near maturity, and took them and got
them discounted again, and used them for his firm, and never took up
the old notes, but let them go to protest. I have paid one myself, and the
bank looks to me for payment of the rest as they mature.
I wrote to Mr. Ivers and told him what your paper said, and got the
following note from him :
DEDHAM, Sept. 9, 1880.
ME. LEWIS,—DEAESIE :—You never had an accomodation from me ("the
boot was on the other leg") I had them from you. If everybody was like you
there would be no need of failing.
Yours truly,
W. H. IVEES.
You can insert this as I have the original, and will send it you if it is
-wanted.
Yours truly,
^ ^
JAMES LEWIS.
NOTES OF THE WORCESTER FAIR.
The Massachusetts State Fair was held at Worcester, during the week ending Sep-
tember n t h .
EXHIBITS.
At the exhibit of Taylor & Farley organs, the Gabler piano attracted much attention,
and Mr. Jaimeson's playing of that instrument was praised. This company's organs were
entered for exhibition only, but the public bestowed much praise upon them.
Messrs. S. R. Leland & Co., had a rich collection of pianos and organs. They had
some of the best instruments of Chickering & Co. for exhibition only, a grand upright in
an ebony case and another in rosewood. Four Peloubet organs were included in the col-
lection, and were also for exhibition only. The Hallett, Davis & Co. pianos in Messrs.
THE GAZETTE.
Robert M. Jones, Fitchburg, Mass., music ; chattel mortgage, $1,500.
Louis P. Goullard, Boston, Mass., music ; chattel mortgage, $400.
Albert Bartsch, Portland, Oregon ; music. Sold out.
GOUNOD.—M. Gounod was a guest, not long ago, at a musicale where
was also a French lady of some pretensions of an amateur vocalist. The
hostess wished her to sing for the delectation of her distinguished guest,
and after a good deal of pressing and many airs and graces on the lady's
part, she finally consented to give the jewel song from " Faust." " Ah, dear
maestro," she cried as she moved toward the piano, "pray pity me—I am
so frightened ! " "So am I," murmured Gounod in an audible aside.
VAN.—Marie Van, a Cincinnati girl, will shortly make her debut at the
Teatro Politeama in Home. She is of French descent, and has appeared
once in Cincinnati as Qilda in "Eigoletto." After that she went to Paris^
and studied several months with Muzio. Those who have heard her con-
sider her an excellent artist. If she really is good she will make her career 1
abroad, and has no need to return home " after her recent success in Italy, *
as so many others are apt to do.
I, NOT E.—Let it be settled once for all among musical writers and printing
office compositors, that the name of the great composer and pianist is spelled
Rubinstein. Since the unfortunate affair of the murderer, Pesach Ruben-
stein, they will insist upon spelling the name of the pianist in the same way.
Give Anton his due.
QUEER.—The Telegram regrets that at the performances of "Carmen,"
by the Leavitt Burlesque Company, they give so little of Bizet. We think
that after the real " Carmen," as performed by Mme. Dolaro a year ago at
the Academy of Music, we have sufficient reason to feel indebted to the sen-
sible arrangement of the burlesque music minus Bizet.