Language
Country/Area
No result found
The fascinating history of the music box: How it evolved from a cigarette box to the treasure it is today
The music box, this small but magical musical instrument, was once part of a cigarette box, but its evolution over time is amazing. The music box has won the hearts of many people with its beautiful melody and exquisite craftsmanship, and has become a precious collection. This article will take you deep into the history of the music box, exploring its gradual evolution from an 18th-century musical snuff box to a modern work of art.
Music boxes, originally called carillons à musique (French for "musical bells"), evolved from musical snuff boxes in the 18th century.
The history of music boxes dates back to the 9th century, when in Baghdad the Banu Musa brothers invented early mechanical instruments, including what was known as a hydraulically driven automatic organ. These inventions laid the foundation for later music boxes, and this structure with cylindrical rising nails continued to be used in the manufacture of musical machines until the mid-19th century.
In the 12th century, an ingenious bell maker appeared in Flanders who invented a cylinder with nails that could operate a cam to strike the bell. Over time, musical clocks and watches gradually combined music with the measurement of time, paving the way for the music box. By 1665, Ahasuerus Fromanteel made a multi-bell table clock in London, and the way the pendulum worked also made the production of music more diverse.
In 1796, French watchmaker Antoine Favre-Salomon replaced the bells with a set of pre-tuned metal plates, which changed the tone of the music box. Become richer.
As the 19th century progressed, music box designs continued to improve. Music boxes began to use clockwork drives, providing longer music playback time. During this period, music box manufacturers such as Symphonion and Polyphon began to launch a wide variety of models and styles, ranging from small music machines to large music installations.
Founded in 1885, Symphonion was the first company to specialize in producing music boxes that played records. Over time, the company and its competitor Polyphon expanded rapidly in the U.S. market. In particular, the Regina company, founded by Gustave Brachhausen, sparked a music box craze, and its products were known for their fascinating melodies and exquisite craftsmanship.
According to Museums Victoria in Australia, Symphonion music boxes are known for their diverse designs and an unparalleled range of product lines.
Towards the end of the 19th century, music boxes were further influenced by technological innovations. Edison invented the phonograph in 1877, which not only promoted the development of music technology, but also had an impact on the music box industry. The music box is no longer just an entertainment device, but has become the essence of the combination of art and technology.
As the 20th century progressed, music boxes continued to be a popular collectible. During this period, many music boxes were manufactured and became the first choice for home decoration and personal collection. To this day, many museums exhibit thousands of music boxes, allowing people to relive this precious historical heritage. The Museum of Music in London is one of the places that preserves many historic music boxes.
In the 20th century, music boxes not only demonstrated their diversity of functions, but also became a part of culture and art.
Today, music boxes are not only a kind of childhood toy, but also a treasure sought after by art collectors. Many music boxes have a unique charm with their retro designs, and their melodies can evoke people's memories of their wonderful childhood. With the advancement of technology, the birth of automatic music devices has made music boxes shine again. For example, the "Pinball Machine" created by Martin Molin and the band Wintergatan reconnects the combination of music and machinery.
The history of music boxes shows us that the relationship between music and technology is not a single one, but rather has evolved in rich and varied ways over time. When we appreciate these beautiful melodies, have we ever thought about how the music box, a precious cultural heritage, will continue to influence our lives in the years to come?
