Music Boxes In Stereo

Rita Ford - Music Boxes In Stereo

Most of us when we think of music boxes, think of the short, simple tunes built into commercial powder or cigarette boxes. But it's a far cry from the demure tinkle of those fragile table models to the scope, variety, and incredible beauty of the music produced by the machines represented here, captured in stunning ultra high fidelity.

These machines stand from six inches to a towering seven feet high, with mechanisms ranging from the simplest cylinder-and-comb arrangements to five-instrument combinations, and are valued individually as high as $2,000. Whether they have a deep, rich resonance or a light watery tinkle, all of them have a quality of wistful nostalgia and haunting beauty.

The music box is man's first automatic music, first devised for bell tower clocks by 14th century monks, a form of music box represented today by the popular cuckoo clock. But it took the Swiss to perfect the fabulous machines that swept the world in the 18th and 19th centuries. Though Edison's cylinder caused their decline early in this century, they are today treasured by collectors everywhere. Fittingly, it falls to the music box's latest and finest descendent, high fidelity recording, to bring to all music lovers the pleasure of these rare old treasures.

These examples were recorded on the spot at the antique shop of Rita Ford on Manhattan's East Side. Miss Ford specializes in music boxes and is considered a foremost collector and authority. These troubled times, Miss Ford believes, stimulate an interest in an older, more stable way of life. "Music boxes seem to have a different meaning for everyone", she says. "For some, it is the pleasant memories of grandparents and the old homestead. For the romantic they mean 'I love you'. For the high fidelity fan, it is a fabulous sound. For me, it is all of these plus an awareness of their limitless possibilities for acquainting children and grown-ups alike with good music. The charming but simple rendition of the operas, the semi-classics, and fine old traditional folk music recorded here cannot fail to capture the most untrained ear. Once you listen to these music boxes, you'll forget all about Sputniks, trips to the moon and the problems of outerspace. This music of the spheres suffices." (from the liner notes)

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Overture Matrimonio [Swiss Overture Box] {1:52}

2. Blue Danube [Orchestration] {1:37}

3. Mandolin Mazurka [Manopan] {0:53}

4. An Evening in the Fields [Orchestrion] {2:30}

5. You Are the Rose of Wartesy [Beer Garden Juke Box] {1:27}

6. Des feuilles au vent [Swiss Clock Box] {0:52}

7. Roses from the South [Manopan] {1:00}

8. Der Freischutz [Swiss Box Overture] {2:00}

9. The Fiddle King [Manopan] {0:51}

10. Gallop-La California [Swiss Clock Box] {0:51}

Side 2

1. March [Orchestrion] {1:33}

2. La Paloma [Beer Garden] {1:26}

3. Introduction Overture "Les Huguenots" [Swiss Box Overture] {2:01}

4. High above the Mountains [Orchestrion] {1:36}

5. Les Chasseurs [Swiss Clock Box] {0:56}

6. Over the Waves [Ariosa] {0:51}

7. Money Musk [English 18th Century Organ] {0:39}

8. Aria 85-Rigoletto [Swiss Clock Box] {0:55}

9. Skater's Waltz [Manopan] {0:57}

10. Les Georgiennes [Swiss Clock Box] {0:53}

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