Musical marvels
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This Helios Orchestrion, which mimics the sound of a small orchestra, was rescued by Matter from Prague. swissinfo.ch -
Welte-Mignon player pianos use a roll of paper on which music has been recorded by real pianists. The effect is a ghostly one, with the keys going up and down. swissinfo.ch -
Hupfeld’s Phonoliszt-Violina, which plays real violins seen here at the top, caused a sensation in its day. swissinfo.ch -
Inside is the paper roll with the music. swissinfo.ch -
The Swiss were masters in making musical boxes and this one comes from Sainte-Croix in the Jura, where the industry was focused. swissinfo.ch -
Barrel organs, of which Matter, pictured, has around 200 unique examples, provided street entertainment. swissinfo.ch
Automatic musical instruments come to life in Kurt Matter's collection.
This content was published on December 17, 2009 - 17:13
Around a century ago, automatic musical instruments were all the rage. They were played in public places, as well as at home, before being replaced by gramophones and the radio. Here are some of the loveliest examples from Matter's collection near Lake Thun. (Pictures and text: Isobel Leybold Johnson, swissinfo.ch)
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