When we think of the way people listened to music 100 or 150 years ago, the first thing that comes to mind is likely the phonograph. While it was certainly a novel invention, the quality of the sound was far from ideal. And while the luckier ones maybe had an instrument at home for playing music on special occasions, the sound produced by a live orchestra was limited to the big halls—at least, that was the case until the turn of the 20th century, when a technological marvel hit the market, called the Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina Model B.

Among the new developments in music at that time was the pianola, a self-playing piano that operated with perforated paper or metallic rolls, which held the notes the instrument had to play for a certain melody. Building on this concept, German musical instrument maker took this creation to the next level, ultimately creating the violina. Rather than just listening to a piano, this invention gave the people within earshot an experience quite similar to a live orchestra, with three self-playing violins in tune with a pianoforte.

The ingenuity and versatility of the Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina Model B made it quite popular; however, its steep price tag meant that only exclusive locales got to acquire one to entertain their patrons. M.S. Rau, a New Orleans-based antique gallery, is home to one of the surviving 63 violinas in the world today, and has said it is “among the rarest and most advanced automatic music players of its time.”

“Remarkably, both the piano and the violins are dynamic, allowing for a previously unheard-of range of volume and tone.” writes the team of M.S Rau. “From the most delicate pianissimo to a crashing fortissimo, the unparalleled instrument has the ability to render musical pieces with all of the skill and vigor of a real musician.” They add that over 900 music rolls were created for the Phonoliszt-Violina over the decades.

If you're enamored with this furniture-meets-instrument marvel, the one at M.S. Rau has a $885,000 price tag. For those of us who are definitely priced out, the gallery team have put together some videos of the Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina Model B in action. Just close your eyes and transport yourself to a time when this singular invention could have lit up an entire room with beautiful music.

This is the Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina Model B, a technological marvel from the turn of the 20th century featuring a self-playing piano and three self-playing violins.

M.S. Rau, a New Orleans-based antique gallery, is home to one of the surviving 63 violinas in the world today.

 

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Una publicación compartida por M.S. Rau (@msrau)

Hear this singular instrument in the video below:

M.S. Rau: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Neatorama]

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A guy in my flight apparently plays the bagpipes. He has a little electric bagpipe he plugs his headphones into and only he can hear. He has been silently (to everyone but himself) ripping his bagpipe for 5 straight hours. I have no choice but to respect this. pic.twitter.com/2Vqn2kK0Hv

— DC Unhilist (@Vamos_DCU) September 7, 2023

Among contemporary musical instruments, there are synthesizers, electronic drum kits, and electric guitars. But it turns out another instrument also has a modern counterpart. A video posted to Twitter by user @Vamos_DCU has been making waves online by introducing thousands of people to a unique invention—the electronic bagpipe.

The user first spotted this gadget when his seatmate took it out on a flight. “A guy in my flight apparently plays the bagpipes,” they write. “He has a little electric bagpipe he plugs his headphones into and only he can hear. He has been silently (to everyone but himself) ripping his bagpipe for five straight hours. I have no choice but to respect this.” The device looks like a black baton with a wider part at the top, but there's nothing in it that could give away its nature at first glance.

For those in the bagpipe world, these devices are known as digital chanters or practice chanters. The chanter is the black, recorder-like part of the bagpipe with finger holes for the player to create the melody. As such, a digital chanter allows the performer to practice without disturbing neighbors—whether on the ground or on a plane. Blair Bagpipes, one of the producers of such devices, shares that their digital chanters can also record and reproduce the sounds of up to nine different bagpipes.

While many associate bagpipes with a more solemn setting, being played by older men in kilts on the Scottish highlands, it's always important to remember how versatile an instrument can be. On top of that, it's inspiring to see new and more accessible alternatives for those hoping to take a deep dive into their favorite instrument.

A video posted to Twitter by user @Vamos_DCU has been making waves online. It introduced thousands of people to a very unique invention—the electronic bagpipe.

Oh Danny Boy. The pipes, the pipes, are callinggggg. pic.twitter.com/rNjyY1DgLk

— DC Unhilist (@Vamos_DCU) September 7, 2023

These devices are known as digital chanters or practice chanters. As such, a digital chanter allows the performer to practice without disturbing neighbors.

Photo: Blair Bagpipes

See one of these digital chanters in action below:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Murray Blair (@blair_digitalbagpipe_tuners)

h/t: [Neatorama]

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Photo: ChinaImages/Depositphotos

Many music fans dream of seeing their favorite singers live. But for one woman named Annemarie Schmidt, the dream went even further. Not only did she get to see Ed Sheeran in an intimate venue, but she even got to share the spotlight with him. During the acoustic part of his set, Sheeran noticed the young woman harmonizing with him. Impressed by her voice and talent, the singer brought her on stage to sing with him.

The breathtaking moment took place during a show at Admiralspalast, a 1,756-seat theatre in Berlin. Although Sheeran usually plays sold out stadiums, he had chosen to play a smaller venue ahead of the release of his album Subtract. Towards the end of his set, made up of mostly then-unreleased tracks, he decided to play the traditional folk song “The Parting Glass,” as well as his hit “Afterglow.” As the 10 p.m. curfew loomed, he switched to playing acapella in a small platform surrounded by fans—including Schmidt.

When Sheeran sang through the first verse of the song, he noticed harmonizing on point, adding a beautiful layer to the song.  “Was singing ‘Afterglow’ as part of the encore in Berlin, when I heard [Annemarie] harmonizing with me, so decided to bring her up to finish the song with me,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram. “This wasn’t pre planned at all, and she absolutely smashed it. Thanks so much for ending such a special show with me, I loved it.”

As for Schmidt, this was simply a wish come true. “Sometimes you have dreams that you don’t dare to say out loud because they seem so unrealistic to you,” she said, looking back at the moment. “And then suddenly in the blink of an eye they become true and you can’t believe how lucky you are. I am so grateful and honored.”

Since that chance encounter, Schmidt has kickstarted a musical career of her own. Recently, she announced that she will be part of the latest season of the German version of The Voice. With a little luck, she will soon have many dreaming of getting to share the stage with her one day.

During a show in Berlin, Ed Sheeran noticed a young woman harmonizing with him. Impressed by her voice and talent, the singer brought her on stage to sing with him.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

For the fan, named Annemarie Schmidt, the moment was a dream come true. “Never in my life would I have thought that this moment would become a reality. And if I’m honest, I still can’t believe it,” she wrote.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Annemarie Schmidt | The Voice of Germany 2023 (@annemie_99)

Ed Sheeran: Website | Instagram | Spotify

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READ: Ed Sheeran Notices a Fan Harmonizing With Him at a Show and Invites Her up Onto the Stage To Sing

Photo: benhoudijk/Depositphotos

Whether you're a kid or an adult, we all make mistakes. Stumbling in front of a massive crowd could be an embarrassing situation for almost anyone. When a young music fan named Willow slipped on stage at a Macklemore concert in Minneapolis, she made sure to jump right back to her feet and continue dancing. Amazed by her courage and determination to keep going, Macklemore delivered a heartfelt speech that sent the entire crowd cheering Willow's name.

A video shared on Instagram shows snippets from the concert. It starts with a clip of Willow preparing to go on stage for 20 seconds of dancing. However, soon after she sets foot, she tries to do a high kick and lands on her back. She doesn't stay down for long though, and Willow continues to do her best for the remaining time while the stadium watches on. Anyone would feel nervous after making a fumble; but afterward, Macklemore made sure to share his thoughts.

“But the thing that I loved the most about this dance-off…is Willow,” he says, looking at Willow and her mom in the front row. “Because you showed us what we all do in life. I've slipped before, my love. I've slipped in front of the entire world before. And you know what you did? You got back up and you kept dancing. So, thank you for reminding us as humans what it looks like when we slip and get back up.” His speech and Willow's bravery clearly resonated with the crowd, as you can hear them chant her name over and over in a beautiful display of support.

Later, when he shared the video with his followers, Macklemore added more thoughts about the concert: “My favorite moment on tour. It hit the most beautiful core of the human experience. Thousands chanting her name, holding her up, letting her know it’s ok, we have all been there. My god. Thank you for reminding us what resilience looks like and for connecting us to our own humanity. We love you Willow. You got tickets to any show for life.” Surely this experience and Macklemore's words will stay with Willow for a long time.

Macklemore learned a valuable life lesson when one of his fans slipped and fell at his concert in Minneapolis.

 

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A post shared by BEN (@macklemore)

h/t: [Reddit]

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Photo: bertys30/Depositphotos

Upon its release in 1971, Led Zeppelin's untitled fourth studio album known as Led Zeppelin IV, became an instant classic. While it is one of the most popular rock albums of all time, its cover art was long shrouded in mystery. Featuring a framed portrait of a man hanging on a decaying wallpapered wall, it is often seen in record stores, on t-shirts, and music magazine write-ups. However, not much was known about the evocative piece that illustrates the cover, until now.

Brian Edwards, a historian at the University of the West of England, was browsing auction house news releases when came across an original copy of the image. By sheer luck, Edwards spotted the famed picture in a Victorian photo album. A long-time fan of the band, the historian recognized the image immediately. “Led Zeppelin created the soundtrack that has accompanied me since my teenage years, so I really hope the discovery of this Victorian photograph pleases and entertains Robert [Plant], Jimmy [Page], and John Paul [Jones],” said Edwards.

During the album production, Led Zeppelin's vocalist Robert Plant bought a picture of an old man carrying a bundle of sticks on his back in an antique shop in Reading, Berkshire. Originally thought to be an oil painting due to its unique colors, the famed image has turned out to be a black and white photograph that dates back to the 19th century. The mystery man in the portrait is Lot Long (or Longyear), a 69-year-old roof thatcher born in the town of Mere, Wiltshire, in 1823. When the image was taken in 1892, he was a widower who lived in a small cottage.

The now iconic image was taken by Ernest Howard Farmer, considered a pioneer in the development of photography as an art form in late 19th-century Britain. The photo album containing the image is noted: “Reminiscences of a visit to Shaftesbury. Whitsuntide 1892. A present to Auntie from Ernest.” It features writing that matches that of the photographer. The album also includes images of local architecture, street scenes, and portraits of other rural workers.

After making the discovery, Edwards reached out to the Wiltshire Museum, which acquired the album for £420 (about $515). In celebration, the museum will hold a special exhibition, titled The Wiltshire Thatcher – a Photographic Journey through Victorian Wessex, featuring images of the album next year.

“We will show how Farmer captured the spirit of people, villages, and landscapes of Wiltshire and Dorset that were so much of a contrast to his life in London,” says the museum in a statement. And while the whereabouts of the original image bought by Plant are unknown, this discovery has reignited both the interest of Farmer's work and the legacy of Led Zeppelin. The museum adds, “It is fascinating to see how this theme of rural and urban contrasts was developed by Led Zeppelin and became the focus for this iconic album cover 70 years later.”

The man on the cover of Led Zeppelin IV has finally been identified. The discovery was made by Brian Edwards, who spotted an original copy of the image in a Victorian photo album.

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Una publicación compartida por Wiltshire Museum (@wiltshiremuseum)

The name of the man on the cover was Lot Long, and the image was taken by photographer Ernest Howard Farmer.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Led Zeppelin (@ledzeppelin)

Wiltshire Museum: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Smithsonian Magazine]

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Photo: Hans Hillewaert via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sometimes, trailblazing works of art take a little longer to get the recognition they deserve. The song “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman, originally released in 1988, was just named Song of the Year at the Country Music Awards (CMAs). With this, Chapman has become the first Black person to win this award.

Upon its release 35 years ago, “Fast Car” became an instant classic. It served as the lead single from Chapman's self-titled debut studio album, propelling her to stardom. After performing it at Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday Tribute, “Fast Car” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was nominated for three Grammys and won one, with Chapman taking home the award for the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

So how does a track that's over three decades old earn the Song of the Year award? Fast forward to April 2023, and the iconic song gets a second wind among a new generation of listeners thanks to a cover by singer Luke Combs. The new version reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 chart and won Single of the Year at the CMAs.

“First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time,” Combs said in his acceptance speech. “Never intended for that—I just recorded it because I love this song so much. It's meant so much to me throughout my entire life. It's the first favorite song I ever had from the time I was four years old.”

While Chapman didn't attend the ceremony, she sent a written statement that was read by presenter Sara Evans. “I'm sorry I couldn't join you all tonight,” she said. “It's truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut. Thank you to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luke and all of the fans of ‘Fast Car.' ”

Whether familiar with the original or Combs' cover, the fact that “Fast Car” has a hold on the public imagination is a testament to Chapman's genius songwriting—a quality that will always transcend generations and trends. You can listen to both versions below.

The song “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman, originally released in 1988, was just named Song of the Year at the Country Music Awards (CMA).

Upon its release 35 years ago, “Fast Car” became an instant classic.

This year, a new cover by singer Luke Combs got “Fast Car” a second wind among a new generation of listeners.

Tracy Chapman: YouTube | Spotify
h/t: [NPR]

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Photo: EMI via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Almost half a century after The Beatles called it quits, the final chapter of their musical history has dropped. “Now and Then,” a previously unreleased track considered to be the last song ever by The Beatles, has become available on streaming services and physical formats.

“Now and Then” was originally written by John Lennon sometime in the late 70s. By then, he was living in the Dakota building in New York City, having withdrawn from the public eye. It was then that he recorded a demo of “Now and Then,” which would later be unearthed in 1994. It was his wife, Yoko Ono, who found an old cassette tape featuring the song, with Lennon having scribbled the title on the cassette label.

The then surviving Beatles—Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the now late George Harrison—were touched by the song, but the recording was so low quality, that they didn't even see room for it in the The Beatles Anthology project, released in the late 90s. Since Lennon had recorded the demo in his living room, even the TV could be heard in the background of the track.

Luckily, McCartney and Giles Martin, producer of “Now and Then” and son of legendary Beatles producer George Martin, never gave up on the song. With the help of director Peter Jackson, director of Get Back (2021), they were able to “clean up” the recording using AI, isolating Lennon's vocals and polishing them up. “There it was, John’s voice, crystal clear,” McCartney said. “It’s quite emotional.” With Harrison's parts added posthumously, McCartney and Starr recorded new bits for the song, including a new string arrangement.

“It was important to me that the changes we made were authentic,” Martin told World Cafe. “Paul said, you know, we need to follow George's rhythm. It was really interesting how he worked. It was like, we need to concentrate on The Beatles and what they're doing, like they're in the room.”

Ultimately, this is not only the final song ever released by The Beatles, but it is also a testament to one of the biggest creative collaborations of all time. In the lyrics, Lennon seems to reflect on his relationship with McCartney in his final years. “That was the magic of it,” Martin explains. “It comes from heart and from the right place and [Paul's] desire to collaborate with John, even though he can't. And even the song itself is almost John's love letter to Paul in a way: ‘Now and then, I miss you.' That's how it felt. It felt incredibly special doing it.”

“Now and Then,” a previously unreleased track considered to be the last song ever by The Beatles, has just been released. Listen to it below.

h/t: [NPR]

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READ: Listen to The Beatles’ Newly Released Final Song ’Now and Then’

 

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Una publicación compartida por Orquestra Sinfônica Piracicaba (@sinfonicapiracicaba)

Orchestra musicians are supremely talented performers. They can push through many obstacles to deliver beautiful music, including a blackout. A now-viral video shows a Brazilian symphony orchestra being plunged into darkness halfway through a concert due to a power outage. Although they couldn't see their conductor nor the sheet music, the orchestra kept playing flawlessly, much to the delight of their audience.

Back in August, the Piracicaba Symphony Orchestra was giving a concert to celebrate the 256th anniversary of the founding of the city of Piracicaba, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. Suddenly, during the orchestra's performance of “Farandole” from Bizet’s L’Arlésienne Suite, a hailstorm caused a city-wide blackout.

Without missing a beat, the orchestra kept the music going, playing by memory and ear as they awaited for the lights to come back on. For a moment, the light seems to return before engulfing the theatre in darkness again, just as the climax of the piece was approaching. “Musicians and conductor continued on stage in full harmony, until the emergency power generators were activated,” the orchestra said. Finally, the light came back by the end of the piece, resulting in a round of applause from the bewildered concert-goers. Who said a symphony orchestra couldn't play in the dark?

To stay up to date with this group of brilliant musicians, you can follow the Piracicaba Symphony Orchestra on Instagram.

A now-viral video shows a Brazilian symphony orchestra playing flawlessly and without missing a beat during a power outage.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Orquestra Sinfônica Piracicaba (@sinfonicapiracicaba)

Orquestra Sinfônica Piracicaba: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Classic FM]

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For many, music is much more than a song on the radio—it's a way of life. Music is tied up in special moments and memories, whether it's the song you danced to at prom or the tune that reminds you of your first love. Musicians and music lovers take their passion to a whole new level by dedicating themselves to every aspect of the craft. This can make a gift based on their love of music particularly meaningful.

So what do you get the audiophile in your life? Whether you know a David Bowie fanatic or a budding songwriter, there are some creative products that will show just how much you appreciate their passion for music. You could go the practical route with a songwriter's journal, a retro record player, or high-fidelity earplugs for concerts. Or, you could provide a bit of inspiration with handmade dolls inspired by some of the great music icons or Taschen's collection of the best art album covers.

No matter what genre of music you're looking to celebrate, from classical to jazz to rock, there are plenty of great gifts to choose from. Whatever route you go, these gifts are sure to please anyone who has an appetite for all things related to song.

Need to buy something for people who love music? Here are some perfect gifts that will rock their world.

Kurt Cobain Inspired Doll

Paula and the Pencils | $31.18+

Art Record Covers by Taschen

Taschen | $65.10

Clef Note Threader Earrings

The Little Alien Cat | $13.99

U.S.A. Song Map Poster

Dorothy | $39.95

Make Your Own Music Box Kit

Kikkerland Design | $27.50

Personalized Wooden Headphone Stand

Oakywood | $70+

Handmade Violin Backpack

LeatherCraftSo | $97.50+

Music Genre Blueprint

Dorothy | $44.95

Music Masterclass

Masterclass | from $10 per month

Amigurumi Crochet David Bowie Doll

Crochet Oxe My Friend | $50.78

Personalized Spotify Song Code Keychain

ShellsjewelsByShelly | $7.19

Mistaken Lyrics Coasters

Eve Trester-Wilson and Kristen von Minden | $32

Musician Playing Cards

Uncommon Goods | $10

Vintage Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable

Victrola | $49.93

Reclaimed Guitar String Bangles

TyleeRei | $31.50

Cassette Tape Flash Drive

The Original Mashtape | $22.99

Piano Key Necklace

Bayou Glass Arts | $55.21+

Upcycled Vinyl Record Coasters

Jeff Davis | $18

Electric Guitar Socks

Good Luck Sock | $11.95

Personalized Song Lyric Print

Bold Print Studio | $19.09+

Bamboo Guitar Neck Kitchen Utensil Set

Rise8 Studios | $20.99

MTV Music Throwback Party Game

Spin Master | $17.97

Retro Vinyl Record Coasters

DuoMuo | $13.99

Guitar Amp Wall Key Holder

Droplight Ind. | $59.99

Musical Note 3D Night Light

WarmLight | $16.97

Sterling Silver Music Note Ring

MolecularMotifs | $32.24

Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Bose | $119

High-Fidelity Sound-Enhancing Earplugs

Vibes | $28.95

Retro Turntables Wall Art

Fox And Velvet | $21.57+

Music Notes Cube Puzzle

loyoe jewelry | $16.85

Ticket Stub Diary

Uncommon Goods | $17

Songwriter's Journal

Uncommon Goods | $12.50

Microphone Necklace

Unique Anomaly | $22.94+

Cat Scratching Toy

Suck UK | $35

“Fly Me to the Moon” Music Box

MarcGiftDesign | $26.65+

Concrete Cassette Planter

DovekienFinch | $30+

This article has been edited and updated.

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Photo: duha127/Depositphotos

Whether you're a concert fan or know someone who is, there's an online archive where music lovers can enjoy thousands of performances from different bands. The Live Music Archive is part of the Internet Archive and boasts over 250,000 recordings of live concerts. This incredible collection has been in the works for 20 years and is a collaborative effort between the Internet Archive and countless volunteers.

Within the archive are thousands of bands, ranging from The Grateful Dead to lesser-known bands who are just starting out. “It's a huge victory for the open web,” says Internet Archive founder Brewster Kahle. “Fans have helped build it. Bands have supported it. And the Internet Archive has continued to scale it to be able to meet the demand.” Not only has the project helped preserve music files, but they've helped make them accessible to anyone who loves music.

Over 8,000 musicians have given permission to the Live Music Archive to have their recordings added to the collection. This has helped many grow their fanbase and share their music on a larger platform. “Music is universal—it's cross-cultural and across time,” adds Jonathan Aizen, who helped build the Live Music Archive. “To be able to create access, in a world where everything is so commercialized, and just having music be freely accessible, with no ads—that is also something that's really just special.”

Browse all of the recordings via the Live Music Archive's website.

Internet Archive: Website
h/t: [Open Culture]

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