Huge 2 manual Schiedmayer art harmonium & pedal harmonium

Hello everyone,

this week I discovered a new very fascinating instrument made by Schiedmayer. It concerns a 2 manual harmonium, which is currently being restored by Klaus Langer.
The instrument is for sale! contact info: http://www.harmonium-werkstatt.de/



So, what is interesting about this (art)harmonium?

1. Double Expression

First of all it has a double expression, but unlike Mustel 2-manual harmoniums, this mechanism still controls the balance left-right (instead of upper manual - lower manual).
The splitpoint e/f is at the same octave position as a regular pressure (art)harmonium. (2-manual harmoniums by Mustel have this "teilung" an octave lower)

The big advantage of this unique system is the fact that when you play coupled manuals this harmonium functions as a normal artharmonium. You can play the repertoire on it!

2. Registers

it is one of the biggest harmoniums I have ever seen:
9 ranks in the bass, 11 in the treble.

complete stoplist:



=> a complete undamaris 8' (most of the times this register is only available from second C to e)
=> 2 harpe eoliennes 8' !!!
=> you can choose the 2 ranks of the Vox Angelica separately: one rank is still named "vox angelica" the other one "Gamba"

in total this instrument has 10 x 29 + 14 x 37 = 290 + 518 = 808 reeds...

3. Extra keys!

this harmonium has 5 additional keys in the treble, extending the range to high F!

4. a Dominator?

This instrument was probably built around 1920. Although no "dominator" name tag is to be found, there are many similarities:
-same registers (some different names, f.e.: Basstuba 16' instead of bourdon 16')
-same wood/keyboard design
-same heel levers, double expression, prolongement, metaphones etc.
-same design of knobs
-presence of a little switch to make the Basstuba 16' only work in the lowest octave.

some other differences which were not yet discussed:
-no fortes expressifs
-no 4' in the treble
-some registers have a mechanism to draw them "half". This way the register will sound softer = sourdine ("piano" version of the respective register)
-no "prolongement piano"

I have never seen another harmonium like this one

some pictures:











I will post pictures of the case once I receive them.

Nils

Very interesting instrument!
Have you been in Duesseldorf to play it?

.

No, unfortunately not, have you?

I just discovered this video on youtube:



It seems to be an instrument from the same series..

It looks like an amazing instrument, but in need for some work...
And perhaps a more appropriate repertoire !

It seems like the second instrument is completely different! It concerns a pedal harmonium.
Here's an other picture:



manual I:

Subbas 16'
Bordon 16' - Clarinette 16'
Basson Flote 8’ - Seraphone 8’
Engl. Horn 8’ - Hohl Flote 8’
Diapason 8’ - Melodia 8’
Principal 4’ - Piccolo 4’


manual II:

Gamba 8’ - Oboe 8’
Sirene 8’ - Aeoline 8’
Viola Dolce 4’ - Salicional 8’
Viola 4’- flote 4’
Cornet Echo 2’ - Piccolo 2’
Aeol. Harfe 2’- Musette 16’
Voix Coelestis 16’

Oct. Koppel
Man. Koppel
Forte II. Man.
Forte I. Man.


Pedals:

Subbas 16’ Crescendo I
Echo 16’ Crescendo II
Violon Cello 8’ Crescendo III
Choral Bas 4’ Forte
Cornet 2’ Tutti
Pedal Forte Pleno

Indeed, Nils... it is an impressive harmonium !
I got to say I really appreciated the composition he plays. Do you know which piece is this?
I posted a message there on the video and used Google translate to slovenian, hope he answers me.

No, I don't know the piece he's playing, but I can/will certainly ask him for you!

Thank you, Nils!
I'm eager to identify this piece.
Hope he answers and we'll be able to find a copy of it.
Best wishes,
Dib

in the meanwhile I received a new picture of the first harmonium, makes me wish I had the money for it