It is with great pride that we present the completion of an exceptional restoration project.
What once filled the lobby of an Irish castle with majestic sounds, flanked by its special owners, today shines again in all its glory: an impressive Imhof & Mukle Orkestrion, built around 1880. This aristocratic masterpiece - once the musical heart of a castle - is one of only four known examples of this size in the world working on the rare manila roll system.
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With its monumental height of almost 4 metres and its sophisticated mechanics, this orchestrion commands awe from all who behold it.
We collected the instrument ourselves from Ireland and it was no longer working. The restoration, carried out entirely in our workshop in De Panne, was realised with the greatest care and respect for authenticity. We used only original materials and historical techniques, making this instrument one of the best-preserved examples of its kind today. It is hard to describe the impact this restoration has had: every part bears witness to dedication to craftsmanship, tradition and musical heritage.
The result is stunning playability, an instrument that plays beautiful music at the touch of a button. Fast or slow, classical or jazz. It is an overwhelming acoustic music. What an honour to be able to bring this instrument back to life for one of the most prestigious private collections in the world.
In samenwerking met Sébastien Cochard (www.cochardandco.fr) werden niet alleen de originele rollen tot leven gewekt, maar ook nieuwe muziekstukken gecreëerd. In het filmpje hieronder is de primeur voor de prachtige Carousel Waltz by Rodgers - a recording in which this reborn orchestrion shows its voice again for the first time.
