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The music is recorded on a cylinder with pins. The interior is divided into three compartments: the first contains the crank and the mechanism that operates the cylinder with pins, the second - the cylinder with pins and vibrating lamellae, and the third - two levers for starting and stopping the melody. The cylinder holds seven melodies by W.A. Mozart, which are played through the vibration of steel teeth arranged in a comb, whose tips are adjacent to the cylinder. The lid of the box features floral marquetry on its outer surface. This cultural asset is classified under the "Tezaur" category.

The Story of Musical Boxes

Musical boxes originated in Switzerland at the end of the 18th century. In 1796, watchmaker Antoine Favre-Salomon invented a pocket watch with an incorporated musical mechanism, using the principle of tuned metal lamellae. The invention quickly spread, soon leading to the creation of musical boxes independent of watches.

Initially invented and built for the salon entertainment of the aristocracy, musical boxes quickly evolved, capturing the market and public interest with these entertainment machines. The musical box industry was predominantly centered in Switzerland. Geneva remains the cradle of the musical box, even though the art of crafting these musical wonders spread to other regions of Switzerland - such as Jura, Auberson, and Sainte Croix - and later to other countries, including France, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. Some of the most notable manufacturers of musical boxes include: Mermod Frères, Paillard, Reuge, Thorens, Cuendet, Junod, Nicole Frères, Ducommun-Girod, Brémond, and L'Epee.

The musical box operated on a relatively simple principle: a cylinder with pins (cylindrical pins) would, through rotation, actuate a metal "comb" tuned to specific musical notes, both being concealed from view in one of the box's compartments. By turning the cylinder - with the help of a spring mechanism (similar to that of watches) - the pins would strike the steel "teeth" of the comb, causing them to vibrate and produce different musical notes. A musical box could have a limited number of melodies "programmed" onto the cylinder - from 4 to 12.

Over time, the cylinders were replaced with interchangeable metal discs. Based on this operating principle, large musical boxes emerged in cafés and taverns, which could be activated by inserting a coin, allowing users to select their preferred disc.

Besides the ingenious mechanism, musical boxes also stood out for the artistry of their exterior decorations, featuring materials such as precious woods, mother-of-pearl, ivory, and metal.

The decline of musical boxes began with the invention of the phonograph (1877) and the gramophone (1887). Production continued for a while, but by the early 20th century, most renowned companies had abandoned the business and started manufacturing other mechanical musical instruments.

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Opening of the Exhibition "Moldovan Painters of Jewish Origin"

September 9, 2024

On September 9, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the exhibition "Moldovan Painters of Jewish Origin," part of the European Days of Jewish Culture Festival. The event took place at the museum's headquarters, Str. 31 August 1989, No. 121A.

The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, the Jewish Community of Moldova, with support from the Agency for Interethnic Relations, the European Association for the Conservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage, the Embassies of Austria and the Czech Republic, the Nativ Mission, and the Israeli Cultural Center, showcased the works of three distinguished Moldovan artists: Eduard Maidenberg, Mihail Brunea, and Iakov Tihman.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Eugen Sava, General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, who highlighted the importance and significance of the exhibition within Moldova's cultural landscape. Sergiu Prodan, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, delivered a speech acknowledging the festival and exhibition's role in celebrating and preserving Jewish cultural heritage.

Alexander Bilinkis, President of the Jewish Community of Moldova, spoke about the significance of the exhibition and the contributions of the featured artists to Moldovan and Jewish cultural traditions. Additionally, Marina Anukova, Head of the Nativ Representation in Moldova and the Israeli Cultural Center, extended a greeting, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in promoting and celebrating cultural heritage.

The exhibition featured works by Eduard Maidenberg, born February 10, 1960, known for his contributions to book graphics; Mihail Brunea, born in 1949, recognized for his unique technique combining three-dimensional elements, color, and graphics; and Iakov Tihman, born November 20, 1945, acknowledged for his long-standing dedication to painting, literature, and community leadership.
Open to the public from September 9 to September 14, 2024, the exhibition provided a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the artistic contributions of the three artists, adding depth and diversity to Moldovan and Jewish cultural heritage.

The "Moldovan Painters of Jewish Origin" exhibition can be visited from September 7 to September 14, 2024, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chișinău, Str. 31 August 1989, No. 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Musical Box, Switzerland, ca. 1880. Walnut wood, metal, glass

Opening of the Exhibition "Moldovan Painters of Jewish Origin"

September 9, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month