Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-06-04
woNpEKFUL MUSICAL INVENTION.

One of the most extraordinary musical
inventions ever conceived by the hui
man mind, will shortly be submitted to
the public of Philadelphia, at the Musl.
cal Fund Hall. The idea was conceived
by Mr.. Anthony Faas, the maker OF the
celebrated American ACCORDION, which at
tracted so uch attention at the annual ex-
hibitions of the Franklin Institute, for which
he received two silver medals. The mrsl-
cal invention which will shortly be introdu-
ced to Philadelphia audience, consists OF
nine aulonlata, as large as life. There are
two flute players, one clarionette player,
two trumpets, three brass horn players, and
bass drummer. The figures are dressed
in the Tyrolesian costume, and present quite
natural and imposing appearance. BY
pulling slender wire the instruments are
partly raised and the heads OF the figures
drop forward in the most natural manner;
The machinery of course is complicated and
of immense power. The music is excellent,
and one can scarcely realize that the figures
are not human beings. The drummer, IN
beating time, does his part to perfection
Marches. polkas, waltzes, patriotic tunes
and opera pieces, can be performed with re-
markable precision and sweetness OF tone.
Mr.. Faas has bestowed ten years labor
on this work. He, of course, labored under
the greatest difficulties. Even the DRUM
mer that would seem to be the easiest made,
caused him three years of almost undivided
attention. sa
When Maelzells antomaton chess player
and automaton trumpeter were introduced
to the citizens, they created an immense SEN
sation. The encomiums then passed were
fully deserved :: but how much more inter-
esting and ngeniousis it to array nine, with
variety of instruments and to make, them
play SO well that some of the bands of m,l-
siciHans of our city might well blush. Mr.
Faas never permitted any one outside his
own domestic household to know what he
was doing. He was an object Of suspicion
by some of the police. They had seen ac-
cordeon valves lying about his house. at
different times, and they conceived the idea
that these were unstamped German silver
counterfeit quarters and they watched close.
The unsuspecting ingenious gentleman, who
was pursuing his invention under the grea-
test difficulties couldn't ride in an omnibus
but that an officer would also take a ride
in the same vehicle. In conversation with
him, attempts were made to find out what
he did in certain room in this house. He
never divulged the secret, and this fact a.
lone strengthened the officers suspicion
All this time, Mr.. Faas did not know what
they were after. One day he proceeded to
Red Bank, New Jersey, for pleasure: SO did
an officer. At another time he went. to
Reading, Pa, on business, and strange as it
NAV seem, an officer whose face was famil-
lar to Mr.. Faas, had business there two
AS the men of law never could get any ev-
idence that would warrant an arrest, Mr..
Faas of course remained free. 1t was not
until recently that the secret of the inven-
ton became known. and thus the doubts OF
all have been removed.
Mr.. Faas is one of our most respectable
German residents, man of great skill, in
genuity and goodness Of heart, andis highly
esteemed by all who have the pleasure of
acquaintance with him. He has already ta-
ken the Musical Fund Hall for limited pc
riod. and in short time our citizens will
have an opportunity of looking at and lis
tening to one of the most wonderful music
al inventions ever conceived by the mind of
WAN - pbiIode7nbio iSu7,: