Details
Image(s)
TitleMechanical Organ 'Haydn-Niemecz
Creator Primitivus Niemecz (organbuilder)
PlaceFertőd (Hongarije)
Year 1793
Object number0903
Object nametimepiece with organ pipes, table clock, without case
DescriptionWhat remains here is the automatic organ of a table clock. It has 29 keys and plays 12 melodies by Haydn that can be changed either manually or automatically.
Accompanying textsIn all, there seems to have been a number of specific collaborations between Haydn and Niemecz. Of these "Flötenuhr" instruments, four have survived. Altogether these instruments play 40 melodies, 10 of which appear more than once.
The signature on the music cylinder reads: Primitivus Niemecz Cmi Principis Esterhazy Bibliothecarius fecit in Eszterhaz. Anno 1793". The damaged original cylinder has been replaced by a replica, newly made at Museum Speelklok. While in many ways it was a great privilege for a composer or artist to have the patronage of a wealthy and powerful family like the Esterházys, in other ways it could be something of a mixed blessing. While such patronage offered great opportunities, it could also create limitations. When Haydn was employed by the family, his contract stated not only that he was to compose new music for the prince when requested, and that all resulting works would remain the property of the court, but also that he was not to sell his music or write anything for anyone else without first obtaining permission from his employer.
The signature on the music cylinder reads: Primitivus Niemecz Cmi Principis Esterhazy Bibliothecarius fecit in Eszterhaz. Anno 1793". The damaged original cylinder has been replaced by a replica, newly made at Museum Speelklok. While in many ways it was a great privilege for a composer or artist to have the patronage of a wealthy and powerful family like the Esterházys, in other ways it could be something of a mixed blessing. While such patronage offered great opportunities, it could also create limitations. When Haydn was employed by the family, his contract stated not only that he was to compose new music for the prince when requested, and that all resulting works would remain the property of the court, but also that he was not to sell his music or write anything for anyone else without first obtaining permission from his employer.
Dimensions
geheel height: 30 cm
geheel width: 77 cm
geheel depth: 37 cm
cilinder length: 54 cm
geheel width: 77 cm
geheel depth: 37 cm
cilinder length: 54 cm