Pianola
The Orchestrelle Co.
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
1800 - 1829
Materials
Rosewood and card
Measurements
910 mm (H)1160 mm (W)500 mm (D)
Place of origin
New Bond Street
Order this imageCollection
Erddig, Wrexham
NT 1151263.1
Summary
Pianola, early 19th. Manufactured by 'The Orchestrelle Company, Aeolian Hall, New Bond Street, London'.c. 'Metrostyle Thermodist' in a rosewood case. Instruction leaflet on blue printed card. The piano-player, which the pianola at Erddig is an example, was the immediate antecedent of the player-piano. The distinction between the two lies in the fact that the piano-player (or 'push-up or 'cabinet player') is not itself and instrument but rather, as its name suggests, a separate, self-contained machine for playing one. The reproducing mechanism of the piano-player, on the other hand, is contained within the piano itself and can in most cases be dispensed with to allow the conventional playing of the instrument.
Provenance
Given by Philip Yorke III (1905-1978) along with the estate, house and contents to the National Trust in 1973.
Makers and roles
The Orchestrelle Co., maker