WHEEL ORGAN Meaning and
Definition
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A wheel organ refers to a mechanical musical instrument, typically dating back to the late 18th century, that produces sound through the rotation of a large barrel-like cylinder equipped with pins or studs. These pins or studs, when in contact with a series of levers or valves, engage a mechanism that activates the organ pipes, producing different musical notes. The wheel organ is an early precursor to the modern pipe organ.
The design of a wheel organ consists of a large, horizontal wheel or cylinder positioned vertically within a wooden sound cabinet. The cylinder is equipped with a series of strategically positioned pins or studs mounted along its surface. As the cylinder rotates, the pins/studs make contact with the levers/valves, momentarily displacing them and allowing air to flow through the pipes. The size and number of pins or studs determine the complexity and range of musical tones that can be generated.
Wheel organs were commonly used in churches and cathedrals to accompany religious ceremonies and hymns. They were also popular in musical salons, theaters, and other venues as a means to provide live music during performances and gatherings. Though less versatile than its modern pipe organ successor, the wheel organ represented a significant advancement in mechanical music production at the time.
Today, wheel organs are mostly found in museums or private collections, serving as valuable artifacts that provide insight into the early developments of musical instrument technology.
Common Misspellings for WHEEL ORGAN
- wheel orgin
- wheel orgen
- wheel orgcn
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- wheel orgal
- wheel orgao
- whe'llorgan
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Etymology of WHEEL ORGAN
The word "wheel organ" is derived from the combination of two different terms: "wheel" and "organ".
1. Wheel: The term "wheel" originates from the Old English word "hweol" or "hweohl", which traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "hwehulaz". This word evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kwel-" meaning "to turn or revolve". The concept of a wheel as a circular device for rotating or spinning has been present in various cultures throughout history.
2. Organ: The word "organ" originates from the late Latin word "organum" and the Greek word "organon", both meaning "tool" or "instrument". These words likely have their origin in the Greek word "ergon" meaning "work" or "action".
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