At one time, there were more pianos and organs in the US than bathtubs. Thomas Edison changed all that with the invention of machinery to record and play back music.
More Pianos and Organs
Category: Music
Violins
Violins have been made from wood, steel and pottery.
Outrageous Musical Instrument
The world’s most outrageous musical instrument was made in France during 1450. A long row of spikes was connected to a keyboard. Under each spike was a pig, arranged according to the pitch of its oink.
See the worst of everything: The Worst
Music Royalty
The song, Happy Birthday to You, was written in 1936. Royalties are still paid to the estate of the authors, Mildred and Patty Hill.
Termites and Rock Music
Scientists have found out that termites are affected by music. They will eat up your house twice as fast if you play rock music.
The Length of Tubing
If you straightened out a French horn, the tubing would be 22 feet (6.7 meters) Â long. Human intestines, straightened out are 21 feet (6.4) long.
Just a Spoonful of Sugar
Julie Andrews sang in Mary Poppins, “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” In fact, for one minor ailment, sugar is the medicine. According to one doctor who set up carefully controlled laboratory tests, swallowing a teaspoonful of dry sugar is the best way to stop hiccups. Note: In the case of many other, serious ailments, sugar is the cause.
Sugar Cane
Retailer’s Recordings
A retailer made long playlists containing a variety of music arranged so that a fast, upbeat piece played approximately every 15 minutes. During these songs, salespeople closed more sales, and there was a rush at the cash register.
Set By Music
The mood set by music can change the way people operate. In a scientific study, when subjects were asked to solve math equations, they could solve fewer equations when slow, calming music was playing in the background than when there was no music. When rock ‘n’ roll was played, they solved more equations than when in silence.
A retailer made long playlists containing a variety of music arranged so that a fast, upbeat piece played approximately every 15 minutes. During these songs, more customers approached the sales counters.
German Postage Stamp
Germany issued an incorrect postage stamp. This one was in honor of Robert Schumann, a composer. In the background was some music written by Franz Schubert.
The Show Must Go On
In 1975, orchestra conductor Jose Serebrier accidentally stabbed himself through the hand with his baton while performing. The audience and musicians were impressed by the fact that he continued to lead the orchestra in perfect timing as if nothing had happened.
