Aeolian Player Pipe Organ, Nutcracker Suite, Waltz of Flowers

[@ampicoab]

Yes, this is an old organ, built in 1914. It has the original electro-pneumatic action which makes it easy to attach MIDI input and output boards. The paper rolls are converted to MIDI files in my studio and these files play the organ. The paper is very fragile and often tears, so MIDI is the best way to play the organ. Thousands of free MIDI files can be downloaded from the internet and played, too.

[@Elhombresombra]

+ampicoab I know I'm a bit late (11 years!!!), but I discovered this video only now... if you mind my question: if I understood right, the Concertola roll player (decoder) is not actually playing the instrument. You use it just as an "input interface" to decode paper roll and convert them to XXI century MIDI, because of the fragility of paper. Is that correct?... Thank you very much sir (and yes, you do have quite a jewel there...

[@Zoe-c9z]

I hope you are still enjoying each other today too, I saw that this is 16 years ago..tempis fugit

[@kishascape]

Just get some real paper reprinted. Jerk.

[@kegginstructure]

The Aeolian (and Aeolian-Skinner) organs were real stand-outs in the field of pipe organs. To see the MIDI-automated version is incredible. That thing has the sounds to make any pipe organist happy. Its little bell sounds are marvelous. The rest of its pipe sounds - probably tibias and some diapasons - are solid. And its brass section is pretty good too. Excellent work, excellent instrument.

[@Elhombresombra]

I saved this video in HD and played it through a professional system with Neumann Berlin studio monitors+subwoofer. It's nothing short than GLORIOUS. And I must admit that watching that "MIDI" - manufactured one century ago by Concertola - one of the most clever and ingenious devices I've ever seen, threading the roll all by itself, setting the stops and playing, well, it brings a tear to my eye...

[@2008truckman]

By far one of the best sounding Clarinet stops ive heard. I can only imagine how well it sounds in person.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

I heard Mike Ames' Aeolian pipe organ in person (another one) which I understand is now sold and on its way to a new home(?), and I second that comment about the clarinet. When the clarinet on that organ plays, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Just one of the most marvelous sounding organs I've ever heard. The pure, sweet tones are phenomenal.

[@2008truckman]

@@andrewbarrett1537 agreed, having played the clarinet. It is one of the stops that I am most picky about. Besides that it can be absolutely amazing when it is voiced right. Now only if they could do the same with the Bassoon stop.

[@SeattleOrganMan]

The Aeolian 8' Clarinet stop is also unique in that it employs a free reed like a reed organ, but on pressure. Normally, a pipe organ reed stop employs a beating reed against a brass tube called a shallot.

[@speedstick77]

Thanks to the technicians who preserved this marvellous instrument. I had always heard about these instruments, but this is my first experience hearing one play. It's truly a revelation. The voicing & tuning are splendid. Bravo! More please!

[@iliakaluzhny3833]

Потрясающе и незабываемо !!!! Необыкновенный ансамбль точной механики, музыкальной механики, электрической и электронной части и музыканта-органиста, записавшего и скоординировавшего это ЧУДО !❤❤

[@patrickrwhite8354]

In my mind, this is the most beautiful piece of music ever written and displays magic every time. Wonderful and I came back to listen for the second time. BRAVO to the makers of this video and thank you!

[@jeopardy60611]

I imagine this being played on a merry-go-round. I always liked this piece, as I have fond memories of playing it in my high school Marching Band. We played a Nutcracker medley that included "Waltz of the Flowers," and that was my favorite section of the medley. I find it fascinating that there were "player organs" as well as player pianos, automated with a paper roll before MIDI existed.

[@colonelfire6404]

I am always fascinated by these mechanical masterpieces.

[@davidcallahan2832]

Bring back the age of beautiful machines!

[@pstilljohnson]

We have one of the largest Aeolian organs in the country. Come see us at Callanwolde - Atlanta Georgia (Candler Mansion and Estate with a large Fine Arts Education Program and known destination wedding location.) The organ is amazing with over 3700 pipes in the attic. We hope you will come and visit us.

[@1957kwick]

Must be quite an experience to be there when it’s playing right next to it. Thank you!

[@capacityplus]

Perfection. The best of both worlds. The antique paper reader (not sure of proper word) and the MIDI file, for more modern arrangements and all played on a truly great instrument. It sent shivers down my spine... memories of playing a really good organ some years ago. Congratulations on a great installation. Thank you for sharing.

[@RWBHere]

The paper roll reader is called the tracker, or tracker bar, and consists of a row of small holes, usually in a metal bar, through which air can flow, either under pressure or partial vacuum. Both types are still used in street, dance, cafe and fairground organs. For most of the time, each hole is covered by the roll fabric (often paper, sometimes parchment, and nowadays plastic is favoured in street organs). The presence of a corresponding tracker and roll hole allows the pneumatic mechanism to switch pipes, percussion, swell shutters, or pipe registers in the organ. Other things, such as bell ringers, the bandmaster's arm and head, or lights, can also be controlled from the roll or book, in some organs. This Aeolian is a fine example of that company's output. Thanks toampicoab for the upload!

[@freddy232111]

Where is this organ located? i have also a Aeolian Concertola with ten roll changer to restore. [e-mail]

[@MRLOL785]

My great grandparents had one of these in their upstate NY home back in the early 20th century. It's really quite amazing that people bought these back then. It must be pure hell to keep this thing in working order, what with all the pipes, tubes, wires, pneumatics, etc. Also, that's one hella old Apple right there.

[@ashemiles5715]

This is amazing! That celesta part in placement of the harp at the beginning is the most beautiful part.

[@craigkeller1966]

Wonderful stuff. Fantastic integration of old and new automatic music playing. The organ is in fine voice too and your video is well shot in showing some of the visible actions of the organ.

[@100PercentOS2]

Dig that laptop from 15 years ago and the software. They have really changed. I love the organ music and the organ is really awesome.

[@klbird]

The home entertainment system of the past! Wonderful!

[@bostonblakie]

A PC, music roll and pipe organ combine to produce fine music. The blending of three distinct technologies really works here.

[@cromorne]

Its so neat to see these organs, especially in such great shape as this one.

[@PiotrBarcz]

Oh my god, that Concertola is the craziest piece of mechanical music I've ever seen since the Badenia by Imhof and Mukle!

[@r.c5534]

What a wonderful delightful gift you gave us by presenting this marvelous creation on KZbin .Thank you much.

[@EthylMerts]

Would love to hear this thing in person. Rather amazing. I worked on reproducing pianos years ago and can appreciate how involved this thing must be. Thanks!

[@8546Ken]

You can hear many of these old instruments and a large pipe organ at the Sanfilippo estate in Barrington, IL It's not open to the public. You have to go to one of their planned events. They also have a restored antique carousel that you can ride. It has a small pipe organ.

[@speedstick77]

Someone is an expert technician and tuner. I have read about the instrument, but never heard one before. What a wonderful surprise.

[@flyurway]

Fascinating! (How the hell can someone "dislike" this?) Amazing machine - and a catchy tune too. Nicely done, how about some more of this instrument? If you can't play it, it'll play for you! I can watch and listen to this thing all damn day!

[@flyurway]

I LOVE it!! I want one! 2nd purchase after I win the lottery...1st will be a mansion to house it, lol! Up here in Rochester we have the George Eastman house, he originally had installed what was at the time the worlds' largest residence organ (2 organs, a north 66 rank and south about the same size, 4M console) also built by Aeolian with a player. It's been undergoing restoration for years, I've seen the roll player work too, likely the same one as in here.

[@Razzer1356]

I'm looking for a second job and throwing ALL the furniture out of the family room I want one of these . Seriously this is wonderful . How the heck can anyone dislike this ????

[@jenmorricone4014]

What a nostalgic tone. Reminds me of the street organs in Amsterdam. Fond memories! Thank you so much!!

[@ampicoab]

@DonaldFranklin67 The wooden pipes with "handles" are actually "stopped" pipes. The handle is for tuning by changing the position of the stopper. When a pipe is "stopped", it plays as if it were twice as long. Thus the stopped pipes that are actually 8 feet long, sound as if they were 16 feet. There are no Bombarde pipes in this organ. The stopped pipes that you see are either the Bourdon, Stopped Diapason, or Flute D'amour.

[@zaneclone]

Wow...I hope everyone listening has their computers running through a decent audio system... as this organ sounds fantastic...! :)

[@Elhombresombra]

I did it. It sounds GLORIOUS.

[@johnlynch5221]

The laptop speakers are horrible. So, I use a headset. It's like being at a concert hall.

[@bertspeggly4428]

or good headphones, like Sony MDR-V6.

[@JimfromOH]

Fine demonstration selection and excellent job of showing pipe room, roll changer, MIDI computer and other things not often seen in most KZbin mechanical music videos. Thanks.....

[@Monster404ftp]

I absolutely LOVE this organ and especially your choice of vintage computer to use for MIDI files. Splendid content!

[@billyboi57]

Wow!!! sends chills up and down my spine, it's so good.

[@jennimadden1061]

Yowzerz! That's truly phenomenal ! Thanks!

[@Karlfalcon]

I find it fascinating that someone would take the time to "thumbs-down" every positive comment on this wonderful video. Well fooey on you, cause I've just reversed them!

[@justinreid2422]

👍💯💪

[@fredwood1490]

Amazing machine and amazing engineering as well as programing!

[@mariopiernes6944]

Otherworldly! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JOHN-tk6vl]

Wonderful.

[@patrickrwhite8354]

They really knew how to make things last back in the day. This was a beautiful example of the very way they made things. I loved this video thanks for sharing I have subscribed. Love Pipe organs and player organs.

[@8546Ken]

Unfortunately these machines don't really last without a lot of loving restoration and tweaking. Especially when they are played continuously. Felt, rubber, and leather parts don't survive. I first observed this at House on the Rock in Wisconsin. After a few years, the machines were worn out. I don't know how many of them are authentic. A lot were replaced with synthesized instruments.

[@patrickrwhite8354]

@@8546Ken amazing to know. Thanks

[@julorg]

Magnifique !!! et en plus la réalisation est pas mal du tout, on voit la tuyauterie, le mécanisme...... Bravo !

[@pauldquam1]

I just discovered your video! It is wonderful to see and hear videos that are done extremely well. Your audio recording in such a small room is excellent and the editing of the cameras is very good. Thank you for offering this to those who love KZbin. Paul

[@PineNoodleStudios]

1:41 is my favorite part ngl

[@royshashibrock3990]

Simply magnificent...as are many of the old style pipe organs. It sounds fantastic, and it's playing a great musical piece too. And the "tin" soldier at the end...nice touch. I'm trying to wrap my head around the purpose of the dynamic variable vanes opening to the pipe room.

[@ampicoab]

Those "vanes" are called shutters. Shutters open to allow the volume to be louder.

[@ampicoab]

Yes, the shutters control the volume. In this example, the shutter movement is controlled by the roll, or MIDI file. When a person plays the organ, the shutters are controlled by a pedal called "expression shoe" or "expression pedal". These are different than the pedal notes. The organist usually uses the right foot on expression pedals.

[@ampicoab]

The Jackbox is the reversible relay controlled by the stop codes on the roll. When a code appears, it makes a toggle in the jackbox move, which turns on a stop. The next time that same coded appears, it turns off the stop.

[@usmale4915]

Beautiful, just beautiful. Thank you for the upload!

[@zebraluvLaura]

This is one of the most valuable transitional analog Organs I have ever been privledge to see and hear. I cannot over-emphasize the importance of your sharing this. I cringed however, when the "fragile" paper roll was loaded..I pray that reproduction and preservation are top of the list. Thanks!

[@grandcarriage1]

absolutely gorgeous

[@buzzbaybear]

this is just a marvelous machine! I always wondered how roll changers accurately and dependably found the leader- now I know! thanks for all your great videos- and stewardship of these treasures.

[@8546Ken]

Apparently it doesn't have to work reliably since it's really playing off the laptop and MIDI.

[@KE5RHD]

Back in the early 80's there was a BBC program called, "Connections." It connected things in the past to the highest technology of today. The player technology used in these organs and pianos have been closely connected to space missions, guided missiles, and computers. They are the earliest storage devices. Often they were used to record a live event. They recently found some piano rolls of Scott Joplin which recorded him playing.

[@jandoerlidoe3412]

What a music machine, that still works , after 107 years ! ingenious way to mke it still work, without the original paper rolls...

[@8546Ken]

It has certainly been restored at least once.

[@ampicoab]

Yes, the pipe organ plays paper rolls very similar to those on a piano. In this example, the roll controls everything on the organ including stops and expression pedals. It is a fully automatic player called a "Duo Art Reproducing Pipe Organ Player". Older examples of player organs used a pinned "barrel" cylinder to play the notes. Player organs originated in the 1500's.

[@Zylstra555]

Without the flaw of the Human Hand.... This is quite an impressive setup. It was quite enjoyable to listen to. Thanks for sharing

[@CraigRodmellMusic]

I recognise Master Tracks Pro on the computer! I still use that as my day-to-day MIDI sequencer to this day. Lovely arrangement of one of my favourite pieces of music. Thanks.

[@Corrie121]

This is astounding and so fascinating!! I must read up on this remarkable concept. The music is lovely and I thank you for sharing this super post.

[@PAPOOSELAKESURFER]

It was a treat half a century ago, listening to the player organ at Scotty's Castle in Death Valley National Monument. Sad it didn't get maintained. I have repaired reed organs.

[@ampicoab]

It is about the size of a small to medium church organ. When it was moved, a 26' truck was packed, floor to ceiling.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Wait you only needed ONE trip in the 26' truck to move the ENTIRE 34 rank organ?!?!?! Shoot, I've been doing it wrong... haha.

[@annecohen8927]

This is almost. ......unreal!!!! I want that pipe organ ❤️💕♥️

[@jhorne18]

Thank you very much for sharing. I see these instruments are a LOT more intricate than player pianos. Not only did I enjoy your post but learned something new about technology, as well. :-)

[@mcraft8861]

If you want to test your speakers well this is a good song to enjoy and to test your speakers. Why? Cause some speakers cant play notes that play simultaneously and some cant play soft base sounds. And it will test your speaker through unique and grand sounds.

[@johnridley1656]

This is when technology and art come together, what an exquisite peice of music by trycostski ,

[@ampicoab]

Installed in 1914 in the Jay Gould house, 5th Avenue at 47th in New York. 34 ranks.

[@lohphat]

ampicoab I hope his newborns are deaf. Knowing NYC they’d be calling 311 daily for noise complaints.

[@ijnfleetadmiral]

Very nice. An interesting fact: an organ of this exact same type and build was to have been installed in 1st Class aboard RMS Britannic, the second sister ship to RMS Titanic. However, it was never installed due to the ship being sunk in 1916 after striking a mine while a hospital ship in World War I. The organ itself survives today in the Swiss National Museum in Seewen.

[@MM-we2wi]

Actually you got something wrong there. The organ in Seewen is a Welte with two manuals. But a real amazing instrument, too!

[@TheCarnivalguy]

@@MM-we2wi Agreed. It has been proven that the Welte organ was intended for the Britannic. The OP doesn’t know his Aeolian from his Welte. 😂 His fun fact turned out to be a faux pas.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

That organ in the museum in Seewen is a very nice Welte Philharmonic organ... a quite rare one too. I believe only something like 14 (?) Welte Philharmonic player pipe organs of various sizes / models are known to exist today. Another one is in the museum in Bruchsal, Germany, another (very large) one is in the Technik-Museum in Speyer, Germany, and another small one is on display in the dining room(?) of the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas (who also have a very nice Seeburg H orchestrion).

[@TheCarnivalguy]

@@andrewbarrett1537 Thank you for the additional interesting info. The Britannic was the last of the great liners built for White Star, although the firm ordered smaller liners from Harland & Wolf afterwards. My point being that as far as I am aware, there never was a pipe organ installed on any White Star ship. Since Britannic was virtually complete upon her transfer to the Royal Navy, I would think that the pipe chambers for the Welte organ were also completed (without the pipes themselves). It would be fascinating to send an ROV through the interior of HMHS Britannic!

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Well, from what I understand the Welte organ at Bruchsal which supposedly was from the Britannic (I think maybe “Brittanic” was found written on the chassis somewhere?) is a self-contained instrument in a large cabinet with display pipes, similar in concept to the Welte concert orchestrions, if a bit different in appearance. So this instrument would not have required its own pipe chamber (although certainly other larger Philharmonic organs were installed in chambers, as were certain Welte orchestrions; it all depended upon the customer’s individual requirements).

[@johndoe-wh7lc]

I worked for Aeolian Skinner Organ company in 1966-1967 in Dorchester MA. It's sad it is no more.

[@ampicoab]

The short answer is yes. There are two types of rolls for the Aeolian. The early 116 note rolls require the operator to manually set stops, swell pedal, and tonal as the roll instructs. The later Duo Art rolls are fully automatic and all functions are coded on the roll. It is a Duo Art roll that is featured in this video.

[@britannia55]

Wonderful the old and the new, it goes to. Show even if it’s old worth keeping!

[@Bigbird1ist]

Wow! Lets just leap-frog across a century and combine 19th century techknowledgy with 21st, This is amazing.

[@ZenMasterChip]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful and beautiful instrument; the sound though mimicked poorly by my computer speakers was still a delight. Very moving!

[@ampicoab]

@1motoxkid I'll answer the easy questions. Short pipes are held vertical in their toe holes by "rack boards". The rack board is about 6" above the toe board and is mounted to the toe board. Each pipe goes through its rack board hole which holds the pipe securely. Taller pipes cannot be supported that way and have racking behind the pipes and much higher over the toe board. Those pipes are tied to the racking structure for support. The ties are strings or cloth strips.

[@leohessels2149]

Marvellous.........this kinds of instruments......

[@medievalmusiclover]

Amazing and beautiful, thank you for sharing.

[@jasmine7576]

メカニック満載からの音楽演奏　このギャップがなんとも渋い！

[@ampicoab]

The short answer is yes. The pipes are all played with air pressure and the action that turns on each pipe is what is called electro/pneumatic. Small electric magnets activate the pneumatic valves. The concertola reads the rolls with a vacuum system. The smaller rolls in the console are read with a pressure system. Some of the organ innards can be seen in a educational (boring) video called rebuilding the Aeolian duplex chest.

[@ANDREWLEONARDSMITH]

What is the date of this organ?As the Aeolian Player pipe organ is built on exactly the same principal as a theatre organ in that the whole organ is enclosed in chambers and that in addition to the pipework there are tuned and unturned percussion voices & sound effects yet this is I believe BEFORE a certain Hope jones developed the unit orchestra as we know it and no doubt This was the inspiration for the cinema organ as we know it today!

[@JonasClark]

These existed before Hope-Jones; "chamber organs" in homes were popular from the late 1800s onward. Hope-Jones' electric action was indeed later applied to them. These player organs were not the inspiration for the theater or cinema organ, but the developments which led to the Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra also got applied to residence organs. Aside from having all pipes enclosed in swell boxes, having electric or electro-pneumatic action, and having roll players, these had little actual similarity to theatrical organs.

[@kdegru]

A very impressive roll played organ. I am always fascinated how this early and crude recording system worked so well and did it way before midi came on the scene.

[@andrewbarrett1537]

Organ roll players are in a way more successful than piano systems in that nearly every vintage reproducing piano system split the keyboard into halves (bass/treble) for dynamics, which obscured some fine details of internal touch/attack within chords. The organ already being such a mechanical instrument in the way the organist activates the pipe valves, makes it a natural for automation. How well the roll sounds depends on the company and its production. But some had played organ rolls sound VERY realistic... pretty amazing!

[@k.m4061]

Absoultly beautiful

[@leewilson77]

Beautiful!

[@2400dimension]

Oh, WOW, you got the camera to pick up every sound detaile, this is amazing! And I havn't heard this song since little rascles

[@flyurway]

They're called swell shades (or shutters) and they are the volume control. The only way to change the sound volume of an organ is to either add/subtract stops or use the swell to open or muffle the sound output (make the sound "swell", hence the name). Classic organs have just a few divisions behind shutters (referred to as "under expression"), theater organs put the entire instrument under expression for a more dramatic and controllable effect. They're controlled with pedals on the console.

[@anne91276]

Wow, Impressive! I'd love to have an organ like that!

[@kasha1932]

A most unique sound!

[@SuperWoodyboy]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@悄然-p2c]

太棒了！交响乐团的音效，数字程控的技术!

[@gerardbedecarter]

A magnificent presentation !!!!!!

[@ChucklesKeys]

That was just TOO COOL! I love the pipe organ. Wish I had one.

[@davidhess6593]

Tchaikovsky is the real genius here

[@nardopereirapinto3760]

EXTREMELY AMAZING!

[@jonnda]

Wow, cool old PowerBook, running a cool old organ.

[@jonnda]

Wow, KZbin ahowed this to me again and I watched it again like a sucker. I guess I will watch it again in another 3 years.

[@TomD14624]

Think they're called swell shades. Using a pedal on the organ, the organist can open or close them, increasing or decreasing the loudness of any pipes that are enclosed in that box.

[@stanleystudios5186]

What an amazing instrument!

[@florianchurch]

Wonderful !

[@kerryincolumbus]

what a fantastic sound!!!

[@knutifix]

Amazing technic and sound!

[@doriskarloff964]

delightful and fascinating.💖

[@ampicoab]

No, the keys don't move when the player is used. They really don't need to move as the pipes are activated by electrical circuits. The keys create the circuits when depressed. The player does the same thing using different electrical contacts located in the player system, which are different than the key board contacts. Good question.

[@DougCassellMusicman]

This is beautiful.

[@MANTLEBERG]

FANTASTIC

[@dennisspinkshappyforbusker2523]

Amazing ❤️

[@swansong1851]

I really enjoyed that.