F. LECOULTRE - BERENS, BLUMBERG & Company & C° Musical Box
Second period - mid 19th century
Cylinder musical box (second period - CABAM classification) around 1840 in a rosewood veneer case with cover decorated with a diamond marquetry net and a side flap, protecting the keywind axle, on/off controls, air change of air and instant stop. On the right, a slot is reserved for the winding key. The reddened interior is a vestige of antiparasitic treatment, as it was used in the firsts of vibrating blades carillons.
The original tunes list is present and gives us valuable information:
- The serial number at left is 2749;
- Manufacturer identification: in this case FL for F. Lecoultre in the right;
- The B, B & C° identification for Berens, Blumberg & Company is legible in the lower central tag;
- The identification of the six airs.
On a brass bedplate, bearing the initials B, B & Cie and number 18541, is attached a set of 105 teeth. Lenght of cylinder is 275mm.
The set is entirely original and in excellent condition of woodwork, mechanics and musicality.
But the originality of this cartel is its repertoire.
The first five airs play the complete quadrille "Queen Victoria" by Philippe MUSARD (1792-1859). le Pantalon, l'Eté, la Poule, le Trénis et le Finale follow each other.
This French composer and conductor, somewhat forgotten today, is one of the most illustrious representatives of the festive music of dances of Paris in the 19th century. He spent the first part of his career in London, where he was conductor of Queen Victoria’s balls. At the age of 38, he returned to Paris and conducted balls at the court and in the city. He is the conductor of the Opera balls. As during the carnival period we dance especially the quadrille, Parisian Mode obliges, Philippe Musard is consecrated king, even Napoleon of the quadrille.
In order to become aware of the festive power of these balls, I cannot resist quoting a few lines from Les Lettres Parisiennes, by Delphine de Girardin, in 1837.
It was a party of which nothing can give the idea. Six thousand people in the hall, and two thousand at the door who could not enter. All the lodges taken; those of the king, of M. the duke of Orleans, invaded by people who did not know where to take refuge. The most picturesque costumes, the most vivid dances, the most passionate. The police point teasing, and not the slightest disorder; but what is most remarkable, the event of the night, is the triumph of Musard carried on the shoulders of six of the most beautiful dancers, and walked throughout the room, the cheers, the applause of the whole crowd. Musard’s figure was radiant: it was the king of the Ribauds...
Twice, during first and last figure, you will hear a paraphrase of "God save the Queen", which fits perfectly into the festive dance.
The 6th air is a waltz by Isaac Strauss: La Rosa Walzer.
Perfect original condition, original winding key.
Box size: 440x160x115mm
Musard's triumph, carried on the shoulders of six of the most beautiful dancers
at the Opera Ball in 1837
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.