 The 'Barrel Organ', in German 'Drehorgel' is a small
portable organ mechanically played by turning a handle.
Inside is a traditional perforated paper roll operating
the old pneumatic system which has stood the test of
time over more than 200 years. Barrel organs were all
over the world, they were very common in the late 18th
and early 19th century in Great Britain, the earliest
reported barrel organ goes back to the 15th century (but
was not portable) in the Netherlands. Barrel organs were
played in British churches and some were installed in
Canadian churches. They were also very small barrel
organs, known as bird organs during the 18th and 19th
century, to teach little birds a song.
At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century
the barrel organ grinder were disappearing from the
streets
 because of the national and international
copyright laws.
In Germany, particularly in Berlin the barrel organ
grinder 'Drehorgelmann' became very popular again
beginning of the 20th century, playing in the backyards
of the back-buildings.
Also in Denmark it's a habit to play the barrel organ
for their 25th anniversary outside in the morning. This
will bring luck for the future.
Now in these days you will see barrel organ grinders
everywhere in Europe. They are interested in maintaining
and old tradition, and as soon as spring is there and
the street cafes are open they start playing. This
brings a wonderful atmosphere to the downtown core. |
