who says in the video that there are 7 levels of expression? it has only 3 fixed levels for the piano, that is Forte, Mezzo-Forte and Piano (=soft). it also has a crescendo funtion, but by spacing the holes at different distances on the roll, many in-between levels can be reached. the violin expression works about the same, but it has the option of slow or fast crescendo.
I have seen one of these instruments in Germany which had 2 sets of 3 violins, although i understand that it was a modern machine built from blue prints and that Hupfeld never actually made a double unit during the original period.
Look carefully and you'll see the actual violin bodies move in and out so that the strings touch the rotating bow. There are pneumatic 'fingers' to select the notes.
The rotating thing is the bow? I was under the impression that it was some kind of engine (similar to the rotating wheels on the back of Band organs) and that the small moving things near the scroll of the violins were the things playing them.
It does make more sense, though, to have on strings, "finger" pneumatics, and one bow for all at once.
The manufacturere is Hupfeld. As it says on top of the instrument!
WelteMax 1 year ago
who says in the video that there are 7 levels of expression? it has only 3 fixed levels for the piano, that is Forte, Mezzo-Forte and Piano (=soft). it also has a crescendo funtion, but by spacing the holes at different distances on the roll, many in-between levels can be reached. the violin expression works about the same, but it has the option of slow or fast crescendo.
pianoman1984 2 years ago
and did I mention already, this is a very well playing violina :D nice to hear a good one among the many bad ones on youtube
pianoman1984 2 years ago
I have seen one of these instruments in Germany which had 2 sets of 3 violins, although i understand that it was a modern machine built from blue prints and that Hupfeld never actually made a double unit during the original period.
ampicodude 2 years ago
I have a video of a Weber Styria playing the same song, does anyone know the tune?
ChristainPatriot01 2 years ago
Can you post it? Or, at least, a link?
tregnier279 2 years ago
Actually Sir it is posted, and I'm not exactly the walter cronkite of links.[rip w.c by the way]
ChristainPatriot01 2 years ago
I did some research (looking through the "Violano Virtuoso" video in the related videos, and that video's related videos.
This machine is a Hupfeld Phonoliszt Violina. Manufactured by the Hupfeld company of Germany, and they ceased production of them in 1928.
tregnier279 2 years ago
Look carefully and you'll see the actual violin bodies move in and out so that the strings touch the rotating bow. There are pneumatic 'fingers' to select the notes.
wurlitzerwilly 2 years ago
I noticed that! It's very clever!
tregnier279 2 years ago
I find the concept fascinating. Four moving violins with a single string each and a rotating circular 'bow'. All driven by pneumatics.
wurlitzerwilly 2 years ago
The rotating thing is the bow? I was under the impression that it was some kind of engine (similar to the rotating wheels on the back of Band organs) and that the small moving things near the scroll of the violins were the things playing them.
It does make more sense, though, to have on strings, "finger" pneumatics, and one bow for all at once.
Fascinating! Simply brilliant!
tregnier279 2 years ago
Actually, there are only three violins. I would be very surprised if this example has four.
I agree it is a fascinating concept.
KawhackitaRag 2 years ago
That is amazing. I wish these kinds of mechanical music were still made. They're fun to listen to, and even more fun to watch.
tregnier279 2 years ago