The organ is one of the most antique instruments that are still played today, and their origins seem to date back to “Idraulos” in the 3rd century B.C. They are formed of pipes, levers or keys and an air box. Mechanical organs normally have pipes and bellows mechanically controlled by a cylinder. They can be actioned manually, or with steam and electric motors. This category includes the grand organs (like fairground organs) and the smaller barrel organs that were found on the streets or in homes.

“Il Pianino” street barrel organ with bellows and cylinder – early 1900