THE CALLIOPE, OR STEAM ORGAN.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 186, 12 April 1860, Page 4

THE CALLIOPE, OR STEAM ORGAN.

(From the “ Illustrated London News,” Dec. 3„ A musical instrument known by the above name has been lately brought over from America by the inventor, Mr. Arthur S. Denny, and is now being exhibited for the first time in England in the central transept of the Crystal Palace. It may be characterised as a steam-organ, and consists of a framework of iron supporting two cylinders, upon, which are arranged a series of brass

übes, answering to tlie open diapasons of an organ* but bearing a strong resemblance to the ordinary steam-locomotive whistle. From a boiler situated beneath the flooring the steam is conveyed into the cylinders, and from them admitted to the pipes, which produce the notes, through double-balance valves opened by lavers in connection with wires acted upon by ordinary pianoforte keys, or by pegs on a set cylinder similar to that of a barrel-organ. The instrument at the Crystal Palace is the softest toned ever made, and. is played upon at a pressure of 51b. to the square inch—the maximum pressure employed in the church organ bring but five ounces., ♦The peculiarity of the invention consists in4he fact, that increased to the extent of a hundred and fifty pounds to the square inch, producing musical sounds thirty times as powerful as those of the calliope now exhibiting; and such is the volume of sound given forth at this high pressure that the instrument is asserted to have been distinctly heard at a. distance of twelve miles. The compass of sound is almost unlimited, from the soft tones of a musical-box to a power sufficient to afford, music to a whole city. On account of the quantity of steam given off during the performance the instrument has not been hitherto available for indoor exhibition; but if, in place of steam, it be used with condensed air better music is produced and an equally powerful effect. Various are the uses to which it is suggested | the power of the calliope may be supplied, I amongst others of a' General on the field of battle by signals to be heard by the wholearmy ; it is also capable of being used as a substitute for a chime of bells, and in St. Louis and New Orleans it has often been employed in this manner. A light-house belonging to the English government, aud situated on the coast of Nova Scotia, is provided with a calliope for making signals, the Pacha . of Egypt has one fixed on board his private' steamer as a musical instrument; and i.a this way they are frequently used in the United States.

Although the harmonies are from the employment of steam, not always perfect, still the effect of a melody is decidedly pleasing to the ear ; and,- as & musical novelty, the calliope must be considered to possess many claims on the detention of the public.