Digital Object Record

GloPAD ID 1003869
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Digital Object Title Organ grinder Tony Cappasola photo
Component Associated Performing Art Street performance
Component Musical accompaniment
Component Activity Date Unknown
Date Object Created Unknown
Date Object Destroyed Unknown
Object Dimensions 0 x 0 x pixels
Component Notes The barrel organ was a popular instrument for street music in Europe and America from the 18th through the early 20th centuries. A handle on the side was cranked by hand, turning the barrel inside the instrument. The barrel was covered with pins that hit keys, opening valves which allowed air to pass through pipes, creating the sound. The musician, known as an organ grinder, often performed with a monkey who was trained to dance to the music and retrieve money from audience members. The barrel organ, and its relative the hurdy-gurdy (a similar instrument, but with strings instead of valves) declined in appearance after WWII and the advent of transistor radios.
Component Associated Performing Art Vaudeville
Component Portrait
Component Activity Date Unknown
Component Represented People Cappasola, Tony (Musician)
Component Associated Location San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum
Date Object Created 1960
Date Object Destroyed Unknown
Object Dimensions 8 x 10 x in
Component Notes Inscriptions and markings: On reverse, stamped "Tony Cappasola", and "Helene Drennan Hardin Theatrical Agency, Fox Oakland Theater Building, 1815 Telegraph Ave., GLencourt 2-4609, Oakland 12, Calif." Written on reverse: "Bette Kaye Prod, Fairfield, Calif., Phone Harrison 5-3509" Circa 1960.
Source Object
Repository of Source Object San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum
Repository Assigned ID Sfp0084
Rights and Ordering Information- to reproduce or order a copy of this digital object
Credit Line Courtesy of [Collection name], San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum.
Ordering Information Contact San Francisco Performing Arts Library and Museum, reference@sfpalm.org.