A C Pilmer Automatic Music Ltd. Issue Six Christmas 2018 G RACE N OTES

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Henri J. J. Krijnen R.I.P. 2

40James years Ord in Humebusiness! 2 MarenghiIn Brief bandmaster 2 Why is a scale important? 3 Launch of Newsletter 2 Exclusive new Midi player 3 32 key Prinsen organs 3 Gavioli Serial Numbers 3 In Brief 3 Organ Event 4

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year

Once again, as the end of another year approaches, we are pleased to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our customers and friends for their business and continuing interest in our activities. As we move into 2019 and our 43rd year of trading, we look forward to hearing from clients old and new with your mechanical music requirements.

R ECENT W EBSITE I MPROVEMENTS

Improved Security: An SSL Certificate was re- obtain the best possible delivery price specific to their cently granted to our website www.acpilmer.com requirements and geographic location. There’s still time thereby assuring visitors that it is a safe and secure to make that last minute stocking-filler purchase! site to visit. A constant visual reminder of this fact is the image of a lock which appears at the top of each Facebook pages: To further promote our exclusive webpage. The SSL Certificate also denotes that the Paper Organ Kit we have just created a Facebook page site is a safe place to make online purchases. www.facebook.com/paperorgankit together with an associated closed group where advice, pictures, hints Online shop: Along with improved website secu- and comments from other Paper Organ Kit builders can rity, we have installed the simple and secure PayPal be found. Please visit these pages soon! online ordering and payment facility for a number of New MIDI page: We have also recently added a com- our popular items, such as the Paper Organ Kit, pletely new webpage www.acpilmer.com/midi devoted to books, and a small selection of quality CDs of organ MIDI-related products for automatic musical instruments, music. We hope that this easier method of ordering and hope you will take a few moments to visit it. Next and payment will help our customers when making year we expect to be expanding this page in response to purchases. As shipping costs outside of the UK can growing interest in this method of control. On page 3 of vary considerably, we are still asking overseas buy- this edition of Grace Notes you will find details of an ers to first contact us with their orders so we can interesting and exclusive new MIDI product. Page 2 Issue Six

H ENRI J. J. K RIJNEN R . I . P .

We were shocked to receive the former Rex cinema located in the originally from Soestdijk. We also sad news of the death of Henri centre of Hilversum. Over the years supplied and installed the 3- Krijnen (born 25th January 1947 we supplied and restored a number manual 9-rank Compton theatre at Amersfoort, ) on of quality instruments to the collec- organ which was built in 1934 for August 5th 2018 at the Astoria cinema in Hull, Pomona, New Jersey, East Yorkshire. We USA. We understand that equipped this instrument he did not survive an with the very first Uniflex emergency operation 3000 control system in carried out there whilst on Europe. A family connec- Above: Henri Krijnen’s Compton cinema organ holiday. With his brother, tion with organs comes with original illuminated console, restored and Henri built up a very suc- from brother Joe’s wife, installed by us at his collection in the Nether- cessful business in the who is a member of the lands. Netherlands, Krijco famous Hommerson family Right: The 72-key Koenigsberg street organ Amusement bv, a major of showmen. The undis- De Harmonium, ex-De Vreese, Minning and operator of slot machine puted highlight of the Perlee, after restoration and re-decoration halls and casinos. From coach trip we organized to (photo courtesy of Keith Pritchett) this background came an the Netherlands back in Below: 101-key Mortier organ no. 1075 built interest in anything that November 2011 was a in 1938 which came to England in the 1960s and formed part of Paul Corin’s Music Mu- worked by inserting a private visit to Henri’s seum in Cornwall. This was the last major coin, and he assembled a collection, which was instrument that we restored for Henri. major collection of antique amuse- tion, including a rare 72-key Poirot shared with members of the ment machines and juke boxes. barrel organ made in Mirecourt, Mechanical Organ Owner’s Soci- His interest later widened to France, and the famous 72-key ety (MOOS). Many of those pre- mechanical music, initially instru- Koenigsberg street organ “De Har- sent were deeply impressed by ments with coin slots, but this monium”. Henri purchased the first the scale and diversity of the evolved to all types and included 105-key Gebr. Decap to incorpo- collection, which even includes cylinder and disc musical boxes rate a Hammond organ, originally two antique carousels. We ex- and pianos. We first met Henri in from the Willem Tell dance hall, tend our deepest sympathy to the late 1990s and quickly became Zandhoven, Belgium, which we Henri’s partner Hanneke, son Joe involved in his growing collection overhauled and re-decorated; later junior, daughter Sylvia and which was then housed in the came the large 105-key Robot organ brother Joe and their families.

I N B RIEF

Since our last edition, we are de- download and save by visiting petitor. lighted to welcome a number of www.acpilmer.com/grace-notes 2019 will also mark the 75th new subscribers to our house ———————————- anniversary of the death of newsletter Grace Notes. Please note As the New Year is almost upon us, Theofiel Mortier, founder of that when you subscribe you will we take this opportunity to briefly the renowned Antwerp firm automatically receive the next pub- review two significant anniversaries which bore his name. In connec- lication when it is ready, but due to in the organ world which will take tion with this anniversary a new the nature of the distribution you place in 2019. The first is the 100th book, The Mortier Story, is in will not automatically receive the anniversary of the death of Parisian preparation, to be published by previous issue, even if it was sent organ builder, Charles Marenghi. the KDV. We hope to include out on the same day that you sub- After many years as an important interesting items about both of scribed. You can, however, easily member of the staff at the Gavioli these leading characters in forth- find all the back numbers of Grace firm, Marenghi founded his own rival coming issues of Grace Notes. Notes on our website which you can business and became its major com-

J AMES O RD H UME 1864-1932 In a previous edition we have al- grew in popularity steadily through- correct tempo with careful dynam- luded to various ways that interest out the 19th century and brought ics to create an effect “that will be and appreciation of mechanical music to the working masses, just as of an inspiring nature to both bands- music can be broadened, two of the organs did at fairs. To a great men and audience alike.” Organ these being the study of the music extent they even shared the same operators please note! As part of being played, and its composer. repertoire - virtuoso solos, operatic the research for the book, a list of Recently, a small but very interest- and orchestral transcriptions, concert Ord Hume compositions has been ing privately produced book came waltzes, songs and marches. One of compiled, some of which can be to our attention, entitled James Ord Ord Hume’s best known marches, heard on YouTube videos. There Hume The March King. The writer, Lynwood, is still a fair organ favourite. are many fine possibilities for the Dr. Timothy Thirst, has put to- Alongside his work as an arranger enrichment of our present fair gether an account of the life and and composer, Ord Hume, a friend organ repertoire amongst them. work of one of the best known of Sir Arthur Sullivan and other Visit www.stalhambrassband.com figures in music of his time. A prominent musicians of the time, was for more details. champion of brass bands, Ord also editor of a number of brass band Hume’s musical legacy includes a periodicals and through these he James Ord Hume’s grandson is Arthur W. great number of compositions and sought to raise performance levels by J. G. Ord Hume, the well known author of arrangements, many of which are encouraging the highest possible several standard works on the subject of sadly no longer in print. Brass bands standards. This entailed playing at the mechanical musical instruments. Grace Notes Page 3

F EATURED O RGAN S CALE W H Y I S A N ORGAN SCALE SO IMPORTANT ?

The “scale” of a book organ refers tant. Organs reflect stylistic tradi- organs whilst Gavioli gave their 46 to the order at the keyframe, or tions of the countries in which they key instruments the luxury of 12 tracker bar, of the notes which are are built; French, German and Bel- notes. In some German organs the available in the different (musical) gian scales all developed in different accompaniment has a wide com- divisions of the instrument, as well ways, all with different musical goals pass, continuing on with alto- as the control functions and per- in mind, and all with very different violins (violas) through to the cussions present. When designing sounds. The bass forms the founda- melody. Old French barrel organs a new organ type, its physical size tion of the music and to some extent continued the clarinet melody and intended purpose and sound, limits the ultimate musical capabilities section up into the piccolos, in all have to be taken into consid- of the instrument. Three notes were imitation of an orchestra, and this eration, together with practical deemed to be the absolute minimum tradition was continued in the first matters such as cost and weight. required in barrel organs; this was new book organs. Many makers Generally speaking it is the de- expanded to five or six notes in small retained this popular effect but signer’s aim to coax as much music to medium-sized book instruments. using fewer notes, such as in the as possible from the most limited The bass pipes are the largest in the 52-key Gasparini. 57-key Gavioli instrumentation. The percussion is organ, so space becomes an impor- organs were very popular on the often only provided by a snare tant consideration here. Gavioli continent as small dance organs, drum and a bass drum and cymbal considered 6 bass notes to be ade- but as popular music progressed sounding together. An important quate in its 65-key organs, but pro- from the old waltzes and polkas consideration is the type of music vided its 46-key products with 8 into more adventurous harmonies, envisaged; it is unlikely, for exam- notes instead. If trombones are to be they became increasingly inade- ple, that a 35-key organ will have included, these also take up much quate. The musical limitations of adequate resources to perform space; in some German organs each the early book organs were soon overtures - a task best left to its bass note does not have an equiva- recognized by the ambitious mak- much larger brothers. However, lent trombone, a saving in both space ers and it was not very long before astonishing results are possible and cost. The accompaniment is an the first fully-chromatic instru- from instruments of very limited often under-rated division of a scale: ments were introduced to the capabilities, and in this respect the Marenghi found just 7 notes to be market from the factories in . skill of the arranger is very impor- sufficient in their 89/92/94/98 key To be continued

E XCLUSIVE N EW M IDI P LAYER Here is an exciting new MIDI product from the USA European power supply, and an inline switch. Full de- with several exclusive features which we think will be tails at www.acpilmer.com/mini-midi-sequencer It can sought after by all owners of MIDI controlled instru- be purchased securely online and we have a quantity in ments. By means of the mini stock for quick delivery. Full in- Midi Sequencer+ (mMS+) it is structions are supplied. We are now possible to control your proud to have been appointed the instrument remotely, from a sole UK and European distributor distance of up to 10m (30 ft.), for the mMS+ by the developers even when you are part of the and manufacturers, Brotech Elec- audience sitting at the front! The tronics. mMS+ is a MIDI player which is The mini Midi Sequencer+ is operated controlled wirelessly via Blue- The photo shows the mMS+ on the left, remotely from a tablet or android phone with a list of the titles stored on the SD card from up to 10m (30 feet) using a tooth, linked to a 7-inch Android displayed on the tablet’s screen. If continu- special App and Bluetooth technology. tablet using a custom App. The ous play is required, once this mode has The sequencer is connected by the usual tablet is supplied with the Apps pre-installed, and acts been selected, the tablet can even be turned off and the mMS+ will MIDI lead to the instrument itself. as a remote directory and filename viewer and selec- remain in play until a further command is given. Sequential or ran- dom continuous play modes are available. An ideal MIDI sequencer tor. Also included is a 4Gig SD memory card, a UK or for showmen!

G AVIOLI S ERIAL N UMBERS W ANTED You can use this QR code to Some time ago we wrote about as the publication date of most of panels, carvings etc. where they quickly access our website to the on-going project to docu- these patents is now known, it is served as identification in the see new content. ment the Gavioli family and their often possible to estimate the year works during the series production companies so that as much infor- of manufacture of the instrument of similar instruments. In the case mation as possible can eventually concerned by cross-referencing the of barrel organs, the tune list can be brought together in one place serial number. The list presently also yield other clues, especially if for future generations. One area includes Gavioli numbers from the the original factory pinning has of this research focuses on the firm’s earliest days through to the survived. Sometimes additional compilation of a list of Gavioli & end of production, but there are stamps are present which advertise Cie. factory serial numbers. still many gaps which would be very the firm’s participation in exhibi- (Claude Gavioli ran his own useful to fill. Hence we appeal to tions, and these should also be separate company; identification anyone with access to a Gavioli recorded. Any contributions will be of the serial numbers of this instrument to let us know the serial gratefully received and acknowl- enterprise has not yet been number; this is usually stenciled in edged, and in so doing you will be attempted.) Instruments often black on the woodwork inside, contributing to a better under- reveal features which came sometimes in several places, and standing of this illustrious family’s

about as a result of patents, and can also often be found penciled on work, to which we owe so much. A C Pilmer Automatic Music Ltd. 5 TH W ALDKIRCH F AIR O RGAN W EEKEND

Correspondence Address: Over the weekend of October 19th - 21st 2018, about 35 organ friends from , the Nether- Ridingwood Farm lands and Switzerland again converged on the small Black Forest town of Waldkirch to be part of an Upper Common Lane event celebrating the life and birthday of Jan L. M. van Dinteren (1930—2011), the much-missed Clayton West Huddersfield Dutch organ enthusiast. West Yorkshire An interesting and varied programme of events was HD8 9LN presented in a friendly atmosphere and things got off to a good start on the Friday evening with a communal meal Phone: + 44 (0) 1924 272743 and get-together. On the Saturday morning, proceedings Mobile phone: + 44 (0) 738 879843 E-mail: [email protected] commenced with a visit to Stefan Fleck’s workshop, © 2018 A C Pilmer Automatic Music Ltd. where a roll-playing Gebr. Bruder organ, model 107 was in play outside. The weekend also marked the 50th anni- versary of the first “organ festival” in Waldkirch which was organized in 1968 by local collector and professional photographer Willy Vanselow. At that time there was little interest in the town’s organ heritage among the population, but Vanselow was supported in his efforts by www.acpilmer.com Curt Baum from Hamburg, who not only brought with him several first-class instruments, but also a very spe- cial visitor - Giovanni Bacigalupo! At that time, Ham- burg was home to several pioneer organ enthusiasts, and this fact was highlighted in Matthias Haack’s interesting presentation, which contained a number of musical illustrations provided by barrel organs built by Curt Baum. Towards the end of the afternoon, an open air recital took place in the Town Hall courtyard on the Gebr. Bruder You can hear the difference! model 107 of 1926 (photo above), which was very generously gifted to Waldkirch by Jan van Dinteren. In the evening, the Elztalmuseum and Town Archive was open until late, but many visitors also took the opportunity to visit the premises of the Wintermantel gemstone polishing firm to see the original water-driven stone polishing wheels, a relic of another of Waldkirch’s traditional craft trades. An excellent Sunday morning concert took place in the comfortable surroundings of the concert hall of the Waldkirch Organ Foundation, music of superb quality being provided by two wonderful orchestrions built by Gebr. Weber; a Violano and a Grandezza. A free-and-easy afternoon’s music followed, provided by the various organs and orchestrions in the Elztalmu- seum. Accompanied by warm autumn weather and traditional German, Chinese and Italian food, the weekend was indeed the perfect way to celebrate the memory of this extraordinary man. Whilst in Waldkirch, we took the oppor- tunity to visit the New Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many people associated with the organ business, including the renowned music arranger Gustav Bruder, who died in 1971. Since our last visit, the name of his daughter Marianne, has been added to the family gravestone. Miss Bruder, whom some enthusiasts had the great pleasure of meeting during the various organ festivals in Waldkirch, sadly passed away in the early part of this year. (Photograph above) At the weekend, it was a great pleasure to renew the acquaintance of Peter-Georg Schuhknecht, another pioneer of promoting interest in mechanical music in Germany, who had travelled from Bavaria to be present. It was Peter who instigated and organised the successful organ festivals, held in his home town of Hannover in the 1970s and 1980s and in so doing, established the pattern for all future festivals of that type. He heavily promoted and encouraged the renaissance in interest of hand-turned organs in Germany. He also brought together a large and varied collection of instruments In the distance., autumn colours dominate the from which a series of commercial recordings were made, and foliage surrounding the ruined 13th century Kastelburg. In the foreground, the church of St. wrote a number of books and pamphlets on various aspects of Margaret. mechanical music, including an illustrated history of local organ builder Fritz Wrede and another on mechanical singing birds. As well as editing the journal of one of the early German societies, he also penned a pocket-sized Humorous Guide to the Opera and reprinted many interesting, rare catalogues, originally issued by musical box makers and organ builders, including the well-known facsimile of the elaborate 1906 Gavioli catalogue, the original of which was lent to him for this purpose by Carl Frei junior. These publications remain a valuable reference source. Peter also ar- ranged music for some of the new musical boxes made by the Reuge firm in Switzerland, marked and pinned new organ barrels, and composed a series of marches and waltzes which were spe- cially marked by Marcel van Boxtel for a 35er Ruth organ in his collection. He still has some of those music books, and brought a number of them along to the weekend where they were played on the 35er Ruth in the museum, for the pleasure of those gath- ered. Our picture (left) shows Peter-Georg Schuhknecht standing in front of the 35er Ruth in the Elztalmuseum.