Musical Museum Exhibit In-Depth #2 - Violano Virtuoso

A look inside one of the Museum's rarer exhibits, an original condition self-playing violin and piano. Simon Hill (our Technical Director) takes the reins narrating, as we gain rare access to the interior of our "double-violano".

[@MechanicalMusicTravels]

These have really stood the test of time, compared to a lot of other models of orchestrion produced I would say at least half of the original Double "Violanos" made probably still exist throughout the world. A rare addition that could be ordered with these was an add-on percussion cabinet, and Mills even developed a player cello! None are known to exist today. Fun fact: A US museum has an (extremely rare) double-violin version with a keyboard that plays the violins, some speculate this may be one that was used to record rolls.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

OK so the Piano's range is 3.5 Octaves from F2 to C6.

[@BobMuk08]

Superb... exactly the sort of thing I have asked about in previous comments. A distinct improvement in the quality of your vids too. The length was about right too, though it would have been nice to hear a peice (preferably a 'recognised' one rather than something virtually unknown or specially written.) Much appreciated.

[@DaveC45110]

Thanks for posting this very interesting video; it's a good showcase for what the museum has to offer visitors. I must admit, I have no recollection of seeing the double violin version of the Violano Virtuoso when I last visited. I wonder if the double violin version will feature in any of the demonstration tours in the future?

[@Musical_Museum]

The Double has been in our collection for many years, but we rotate between the two periodically; we hope you have the chance to see it on a future visit!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Some of these things had two Keyboards so they could be played Manually like a Player piano

[@NakedMuso]

Fascinating, but I agree with others it would be nice to hear it play a little without voice over. Thanks for sharing though.

[@LarcR]

Thanks for talking continuously during the time this Violano Virtuoso was playing so we were deprived of hearing it well.

[@Musical_Museum]

Hi Larc - these videos are designed to be a little glimpse of the workings of the instruments and a bit of history; not to hear the entire instrument play - we do want there to be lots of reasons to come and visit us! If you'd like to hear the Violano played "au naturel" the very best thing is to come to the Museum in person - we look forward to seeing you.

[@dogsbody49]

There are several more videos here on RUclips which you can hear in their entirety.