Italian Harpsichord
ca. 1650-1680 The plucked strings of the harpsichord produce a bright, resonant sound. This harpsichord, including the keys, is constructed entirely out of wood, except for
Museum Collection
J. B. Streicher Grand Piano
1869 This 1869 piano was built by Johann Baptist Streicher, the third-generation piano builder in the Stein-Streicher family. The Streicher firm was established by his
John Broadwood and Son Grand Piano
1795 In 1761, 29-year-old cabinetmaker John Broadwood was said to have walked 400 miles to London to work for harpsichord maker Burkat Shudi. Upon taking
John Philip Sousa Manuscript- 1896
Signed photo with a bit of “Stars & Stripes” Dated Dec. 25, 1896 & signed March 6, 1922 Separate signature dated April ’97 with
Kalliope Disk Music Box
ca. 1896 In 1895, Leipzig-based Kalliope Musikwerke began producing a large number of disc-type music boxes. In the 1880s, Paul Lochmann, founder of the Symphonion
Kenny Bb Baritone
ca. 1913 Ralph Kenny was a professional trombonist in Minneapolis and principal in the Minneapolis Symphony from 1903-1919. Kenny established his instrument factory in 1907,
Ludwig von Beethoven Letter- 1815
July 23, 1815 to Joseph van Varena re: selection of piano 3 page in German
Mason & Hamlin Reed Organ
1891 Reed organs were immensely popular in the 19th-century with Mason & Hamlin, one of the most well-known manufacturers. To make sound, a player pumps
Mustel Celesta
ca. 1920 This instrument was invented in France in 1886 by Auguste Mustel. In the celesta, the hammers strike metal plates – usually steel –
Orchestriola Dolcette Novelty Piano
ca. 1915 Player pianos and other novelty instruments were especially popular in the period around the turn of the century. This giraffe-shaped, repeating action instrument
Pennsylvania Clavichord
ca. 1780 The clavichord produces sound when a thin metal blade, or tangent, hits the string. This instrument is most likely a product of the