The 127 Year Old
Marino Persechini Barrel Piano
Not just an antique musical instrument, but a powerful symbol of the American immigrant experience, the dignity of working-class life, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the enduring power of music to connect generations.
Whether you'd like to book this stunning instrument to be played for your guests and attendees or have it appear with a lecture about its history and the history of organ grinding, you can make this piece of history the most memorable part of your next event!
"We had the pleasure of bringing Tony to the 103rd Feast of the Three Saints in Lawrence, MA. The beautiful Marino Persechini Barrel Piano really drew the attention of the crowd. Tony demonstrated how it works, let people try it for themselves, and shared fascinating stories and history about the instrument. It was both educational and entertaining. You could really see how much Tony enjoys keeping this unique piece of history alive. A truly memorable experience and highly recommended! ~ Joe MacQuarrie, The Feast of the Three Saints, Lawrence, MA
In a nutshell:
In 1899 Marino Persechini purchased the barrel piano in NYC from
the C. Maserati Organ Co. (no affiliation to the automobile manufacturer).
Persechini settled in Boston and played the instrument on the
streets from 1900 until his retirement at the age of 94 in 1974.
His sole form of income, Persechini raised a family of six with
tips earned by playing the instrument.
At the time of his retirement the instrument was 75 years old. At
that time he sold the barrel piano to Frank O'Boy of Towne
Antiques in Brookline, Massachusetts, who encouraged people
to come to his store to hear it.
From Towne Antiques it found its way into the hands of another
antiques dealer and, ultimately, into the hands of my wife, Suzanne,
and I, becoming part of the Great American Street Organ
family of instruments.
Thanks to piano tuner extraordinaire Jeff Vincent of Rochester,
New York for his tireless efforts in getting the instrument playing again.
Special thanks to Stephen Baird of the Street Arts & Busker
Advocates website where much of this history (and some of the
photographs found below) were gleaned.
And thanks to Andrew Pinard for helping this unique
instrument find its way into our lives.
Please be sure to check out their websites below.
