Mechanical melodies from imaginary cylinders
Throughout history, certain melodies have become synonymous with the tinkling charm of music boxes. Here are some of the most beloved tunes ever translated to cylinder and comb.
♫ Für Elise
Ludwig van Beethoven, 1810
A tender piece in A minor, one of the most reproduced melodies on music boxes worldwide
♫ Swan Lake
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, 1876
The haunting theme has graced countless jewelry boxes
♫ La Vie en Rose
Édith Piaf, 1945
A Parisian classic often found in French carousels
♫ Greensleeves
Traditional, 1580
One of the oldest melodies still reproduced on cylinders
♫ The Entertainer
Scott Joplin, 1902
Ragtime syncopation adapted for mechanical reproduction
♫ Clair de Lune
Claude Debussy, 1905
Impressionist moonlight captured in steel pins
♫ Ode to Joy
Ludwig van Beethoven, 1824
Beethoven's triumphant melody, from symphony to toy
♫ The Blue Danube
Johann Strauss II, 1867
Viennese waltz, spinning on countless cylinders
♫ Brahms' Lullaby
Johannes Brahms, 1868
The universal lullaby for music box cribs
♫ Canon in D
Johann Pachelbel, 1680
Baroque progression endlessly looped