Belloneon

The Belloneon is an early example of a self-playing automaton with resounding tongues to produce sound.

Johann Gottfried Kaufmann and Friedrich Kaufmann first built such an instrument in 1805.

technical description

This had 24 penetrating reeds made of metal and trumpet-like resonators. An accompaniment with two drums. These resounding tongues allowed both loud and soft music passages. The instrument was built into a mahogany wooden case. The upper part of the belloneon presents a war stanza in the middle are placed 24 trumpets; Two drums and the associated batons are installed at the bottom. It plays dance music and marches, with extraordinary perfection.

The Deutsches Museum in Munich has a belloneon.

See also

• mechanical trumpeter
• Harmonichord

Individual evidence

1. ^ H. Biglow, Orville Luther Holley (ed.): The American monthly magazine and critical review . tape 1 , 1817, p. 383 ( limited preview in Google Book search).