Passport

The Harmoniphone Cylinder Musical Box with Reed Organ (c.1877) has been a part of the Morris Museum’s Murtogh D. Guinness collection since it arrived at the museum in 2003. However, it was not until musicologist W. Anthony Sheppard paid a visit to the museum in 2011 that it revealed itself as likely the exact object the composer Giacomo Puccini encountered, and which contains the tunes that the composer would use in his operas, Turandot and Madama Butterfly.

This particular music box traveled around the globe, collecting evidence of its travels in various markings and documents from locations such as Switzerland, China, and Italy where it is believed that Puccini encountered it.

Watch this episode of NJ State of the Arts to learn more about this story. Read more here: Puccini Opera Echoes a Music Box at the Morris Museum – The New York Times.

On Sunday November 17, the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey presents a special concert featuring the work of Puccini in conjunction with this installation.

Harmoniphone Cylinder Musical Box with Reed Organ, c 1870s. Baker-Troll or C. Paillard et Cie (attrib.), Ste-Croix, Switzerland. Dimensions 12 7/8 x 20 1/4 x 12 13/16 inches (closed). Murtogh D. Guinness Collection. 2003.18.263a-d.