Wiener Flötenuhren um 1800 / Vienna Flute Clocks around 1800

Even the earliest reports state that such instruments were incorporated into clocks as well as other pieces of furniture. The smaller flute clock, however, went out of fashion rather quickly, apparently being replaced by the smaller barrel organs which are associated with clocks belong to the early days of this type of automata. The present CD is dedicated to these instruments. This type of Viennese flute clock was made only as a mantle clock. The small organ work with its pipes, bellows, windchest, gear and barrel is housed within the case of the clock or in a small box which serves as a base for the clock. The flute clocks are fusee-driven, the speed being regulated by the fan. In musical respects the Viennese flute clock had a marvellous start. Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven composed especially for this kind of automata, thereby establishing an extraordinarily high standard. Certainly this fact has to be considered as one of the reasons for the high social prestige of the flute clocks, making them a most fashionable and luxurious article. Most flute clocks did not play original compositions but rather the well-known and favourite tunes of their time. Accordingly, the CD presents melodies from operas and ballets as well as some dance music. With regard to original compositions this CD incorporates also all of Haydn’s pieces played by the flute clock made by P. Primitivus Niemecz in 1792.