Early musical instruments featured at the MFA
James Bazin (1798-1893) On the evening of April 6th, Darcy Kuronen, Curator of Musical Instruments at the MFA, presented a look at the invention and development of the harmonica in the early 1800’s. On hand for demonstration and examination were some rare examples of “mouth organs” by James Wheatstone of London and James Bazin of Canton, Massachusetts. Mr. Kuronen borrowed James Bazin’s early reed creations from the Canton Historical Society for the demonstration. Darcy actually played tunes with these early instruments.
We know Bazin (pronounced Bay-Zahn) continued to develop more intricate and larger reed instruments. In our museum we have several Bazin collectibles including a small harp, 2 organ piano fortes from 1853, couple of reed based lap organs and of course his rare pitch pipe, first harmonica and two trumpet harmonicas. We are told Mr. Bazin played his reed trumpet accompanying the choir at the Unitarian Church in Canton Corner. It is claimed that you could hear his music a mile away!
Contemporary harmonicas were also discussed and demonstrated by jazz harmonists, Mike Turk. Mike entertained the audience with wonderful tunes from his latest harmonica.
Learn more about James Bazin, and next time you are at the Histy - ask to hear one of the earliest reed instruments in America.
We know Bazin (pronounced Bay-Zahn) continued to develop more intricate and larger reed instruments. In our museum we have several Bazin collectibles including a small harp, 2 organ piano fortes from 1853, couple of reed based lap organs and of course his rare pitch pipe, first harmonica and two trumpet harmonicas. We are told Mr. Bazin played his reed trumpet accompanying the choir at the Unitarian Church in Canton Corner. It is claimed that you could hear his music a mile away!
Contemporary harmonicas were also discussed and demonstrated by jazz harmonists, Mike Turk. Mike entertained the audience with wonderful tunes from his latest harmonica.
Learn more about James Bazin, and next time you are at the Histy - ask to hear one of the earliest reed instruments in America.
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