Barletta, IT
Details
- Dimensions
- 24.8ʺW × 22.83ʺD × 11.81ʺH
- Period
- Late 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
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- Materials
- Walnut
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Tan
- Condition Notes
- Excellent — This vintage piece is in near original condition. It may show minimal traces of use and/or have slight … moreExcellent — This vintage piece is in near original condition. It may show minimal traces of use and/or have slight restorations. less
- Description
-
15 1/2″ german polyphon record music box
a beautiful disc music box expertly crafted by the renowned german manufacturer polyphon … more 15 1/2″ german polyphon record music box
a beautiful disc music box expertly crafted by the renowned german manufacturer polyphon of leipzig, germany. Dating back to 1890 and masterfully crafted in a burl walnut case with a lovely floral inlay on the outer lid and hand carved details throughout. The richness of the briar grain adds interest and dimension to the artistry of this wonderful piece of music. In addition to the inlay on the outer lid, the inner lid displays a delightful angelic musical scene under glass.
inside are the musical mechanisms with a double comb mechanism that produces a wonderfully rich and complex sound. Another nice feature of this particular box is the location of the winding crank inside. A simple winding of the crank activates the mechanism, while the click of a lever begins the musical magic. This box plays the popular 15 1/2" records, which are widely available and interchangeable with regina records, and represents one of the widest record availability on the market today. In addition to hundreds of antique records, there are over 1,000 titles available on newly produced records. Selection of six old records is included in this music box.
12″height x 25″width x 23″depth
circa 1890
german
leipzig polyphon
music box with 15 1/2″ record
hand-carved walnut case with inlays
double comb mechanical movement
internal crank
12″ high x 25″ wide x 23″
10 antique records included:
1 - austrian national anthem "land der berge, land am strome," but in the past it was "gott erhalte franz den kaiser," composed by joseph haydn
2 - "l'oiselier" ("the bird seller") and "grüß euch gott" by carl zeller der vogelhändler (the bird seller) this opera was very popular in the 19th century and is renowned for its lively music and melodies captivating
3 - czar et vharpentier - ariè, jadis je jouais - czar and carpenter air, once j have plaid. The aria sonst spielt' ich is taken from the operetta der zigeunerbaron (the gypsy baron) by johann strauss ii, an austrian composer famous for his operettas and his famous waltzes. This aria is sung by one of the main characters and is known for its rich melody and sentimental character.
4 - volkslied "stimmt an mit hellen hohen klang" this is an invitation to start a melody with a bright and clear sound. The phrase comes from the german hymn of joy, also known as the "deutschlandlied", written by joseph haydn and adapted by august heinrich hoffmann von fallersleben in 1841. Haydn's melody has become the basis of various patriotic anthems, including the german one.
5 - der prophet is an opera by giacomo meyerbeer, a german composer of jewish origins, known for his grandiose operas of the 19th century. The "kronungsmarsch" (coronation march) is one of the most famous pieces from der prophet. This march is played during the solemn moment of a coronation, and is a well-known piece of the operatic musical tradition of the time.
the opera der prophet, first performed in 1849 in paris, is a dramatic work exploring religious and political themes, and the coronation march is a moment of grand triumph, symbolizing power and solemnity.
6 - die zauberflöte (the magic flute) is one of wolfgang amadeus mozart's most iconic works, composed in 1791, and is one of his most famous and loved works. In french, the work is known as la flûte enchantée. It is a two-act opera that combines elements of drama, philosophical symbolism, mysticism and comedy. The story is steeped in masonic allegory and features characters who embark on a journey of initiation and spiritual growth.
plot of die zauberflöte (the magic flute)
the opera tells the story of tamino, a young prince who must overcome trials to save pamina, daughter of the queen of the night, from the tyranny of the priest sarastro. During his journey, tamino is accompanied by the funny and comical papageno, a bird man, who has his goal in finding love and happiness. The opera mixes elements of fairy tale, drama and philosophy, and mozart's music reflects the emotional richness of the characters and situations.
the most famous music and songs
the opera is full of arias, duets and choruses that are among the most famous in the operatic repertoire, such as:
“der hölle rache” (the wrath of the night) – the powerful aria of the queen of the night, one of the most dramatic and technically complex moments of the opera.
“ein mädchen oder weibchen” – a comic aria by papageno, expressing his desire to find love.
“papageno-papagena” – the comic duet between papageno and papagena, celebrating simple, earthly love.
“ach, ich fühl's” – pamina's poignant aria, in which she expresses her sadness at the separation from tamino.
la flûte enchantée in the context of a music box
a music box record playing songs from die zauberflöte might include instrumental arrangements of the opera's most famous pieces, adapted for the music box action. This type of arrangement was common in the 19th century, when music boxes were used not only as entertainment objects but also as instruments for playing popular and operatic music. You may find excerpts from "papageno-papagena" or other recognizable melodies, adapted into mechanical form to be played via a music box record.
7 - **"ave maria"** by charles gounod is one of the most famous and loved versions of the traditional marian song. This composition is not an original work by gounod, but his transcription over a pre-existing composition by johann sebastian bach.
### origin of gounod's **"ave maria"**
gounod's **"ave maria"**, written in 1859, is a melody that gounod composed over bach's **"prélude in c major"**, taken from his *das wohltemperierte klavier*. Gounod added a vocal melody over bach's prelude part, transforming the piece into a prayer in the form of a marian lament. The resulting music is simple and airy, with an emotionality that makes it particularly suited to liturgy and religious devotion, while also having wide appreciation outside the ecclesiastical context.
### the structure
gounod's **"ave maria"** is usually performed by a solo voice accompanied by piano, but has been adapted for various instruments over the years, including orchestras, organs and even carillon arrangements. The text of the prayer is the traditional one in latin, invoking the blessing of the virgin mary.
### interpretation and popularity
the song has enjoyed enormous popularity since its creation and has often been performed at religious occasions, wedding ceremonies and concerts. It is one of the most representative compositions of the romantic repertoire, thanks to its melodic beauty and religious and meditative tone.
if you have a music box record with this version of *ave maria*, it could be an interesting collection piece. Music boxes, often used to play religious and folk melodies, were perfect adaptations for this type of piece, as the melody is simple and linear enough to be performed mechanically, but still rich in emotional expression.
8 - the phrase you mention seems to refer to the famous "die wacht am rhein", a german patriotic anthem written in 1840 by max schneckenburger (lyrics) and karl wilhelm (music). This piece was composed as a response to the political and military tensions of the time, particularly in relation to the threats of invasion of germany by the french powers.
“die wacht am rhein” – a patriotic anthem
"die wacht am rhein" (the watch on the rhine) became a very popular anthem during the period of german nationalism in the 19th century. The text expressed a strong spirit of defense and protection of the homeland, symbolized by the rhine river, which represented a defensive line for germany. The anthem was widely used during the wars of german unification and later, also during the first world war.
the historical context
the passage refers to the "guard" who watches over germany's defense against foreign powers, particularly france. Its theme of patriotism and defense of the nation became a symbol of unity and resistance, although it was also linked to historical moments of conflict.
the piece as part of the repertoire for carillon
if the song "die wacht am rhein" is present on a music box record, it would be a mechanical version of a very popular piece in the 19th century. Music boxes, which were used to play patriotic and popular songs, would have adapted this anthem for mechanical performance, making it a symbol of national identity and celebration.
9 - "my mother i veggo anchor", is a duet taken from the italian version of georges bizet's opera carmen. The original german title, "ich seh die mutter dort", translates into italian as "my mother i veggo anchor" and is inserted into the scene in which carmen and micaëla sing together.
the duet between carmen and micaëla
in the duet you find in carmen, micaëla, a young woman who is in love with don josé, visits carmen and the other characters, and asks carmen to return don josé to his mother. The duet begins with micaëla who, singing sweetly, remembers her mother and begs carmen to allow don josé to return home. Carmen responds with a more sensual and unprejudiced response, but the scene expresses the contrast between micaëla's purity and carmen's passion.
meaning of the duet
the phrase "my mother i still see", which micaëla sings with nostalgia, expresses her sadness and her desire for family protection, and is one of the most emotional parts of the opera, which highlights the difference between the two female characters : micaëla, the innocent and sweet figure, and carmen, the independent and mysterious woman.
musical context
although this duet is not present in the original french version of the opera (where micaëla has a separate solo aria), it has been added in some italian versions and adaptations of the opera, where passages are inserted to better fit lyrical conventions italian.
10 - the "hallelujah chorus" is one of the most famous and iconic sections of george frideric handel's oratorio messiah. Composed in 1741, messiah is one of the most famous oratorios of baroque music and is often performed during the christmas and easter periods. The hallelujah chorus section is found at the end of the second act of the oratorio and is a joyful expression of praise and celebration.
the "hallelujah chorus"
the hallelujah chorus is one of the most recognizable pieces in the history of choral music. The text comes from the book of scripture, in particular from the book of revelation (19:6, 11:15, 19:16), and expresses the final triumph of christ as king of the universe. The repetition of the word "hallelujah" (meaning "praise be to the lord") is an invitation to a choral celebration that grows in intensity, culminating in an explosion of musical energy.
structure and music
handel's music in messiah is highly emotional and grandiose, with the hallelujah chorus using a combination of solo voices and choir, accompanied by a baroque orchestra. The score of hallelujah is characterized by an alternation between vigorous choral passages and softer, more solemn melodies. The section is built on a fast-paced beat that creates a sense of exhilaration and triumph.
meaning of the "hallelujah chorus"
the hallelujah chorus celebrates the power and glory of god, expressing faith in his sovereignty and ultimate triumph over death and sin. In many performances, the audience is said to stand during the performance of this piece, a tradition that dates back to the first public performance of messiah in london in 1743.
"messiah" in the music box
if you have a music box record that includes handel's "hallelujah chorus", it may be a mechanical version of this piece. Music boxes are known for adapting large musical works and oratorios into arrangements that can be performed by the music box mechanism, which is capable of playing a variety of complex melodies.
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