Customer Reviews

Manufacturing the Muse: Estey Organs and Consumer Culture in Victorian America (Music Culture)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Manufacturing The Muse: Estey Organs & Consumer Culture In Victorian America by ethnomusicologist Dennis G. Waring is a very thorough, informed and informative history and analysis of the reed organ, an majestic instrument once more popular than the piano, in the latter half of the nineteenth century. The amazing story of how this remarkable instrument was standardized and distributed is illustrated with black-and-white photographs and artworks. An accompanying music CD with reed organ selections rounds out this fascinating compendium of musical and American consumer history. Highly recommended for academic Music History reference collections, Manufacturing The Muse is also available in hardcover (0819565075, ...).

Even for those who may not be into "Reed Organs", this book is a wonderful journey into the era ( Victorian ) that reed organs were made.

It is much more than a history of the reed organ, it teaches one about the cultural background of the era, its customs, expectations and I presume, how many lived in this time.

As a reed organ enthusiast, it has helped me understand the instrument on levels beyond the mechanical aspects. As a student of music, it taught me many things I never knew and feel better equipped because of it.

While based on a history of the Estey Organ Company, Estey Oragn Co,. is not the main character, but the time period of a forgotten era is front stage. One learns alot about Estey, yet as it was placed in the business envrionment of the time.

The rapid rise, importance, and equally rapid decline in the reed organ is well documented. It will give one an appreciation for these gems of a musical instrument and an era not that far in the past.

Good history of how Americans entertained themselves during the Victorian age before TV, Radio, and the internet. Author explaines attitudes of our ancestors trying to become upper middle class. Estey company was one of many firms manufacturing the muse.