Orchestrion
/ˌɔːr.kəˈstriː.ən/noun
A mechanical musical instrument designed to imitate the sound of an orchestra, often using pipes, bells, drums, or other automated mechanisms.
Did you know?Some orchestrions were built into elaborate cabinets and operated by pinned cylinders or perforated music rolls, making them mechanical ancestors of player pianos and automated musical boxes.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὀρχήστρα (orkhḗstra)
“The space in front of a theater stage where the chorus danced and performed.”
Classical Greek
Greek
ὀρχέομαι (orkhéomai)
“To dance; the word ultimately connects the theatrical orchestra with ritualized movement.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
orchestra
“The area reserved for performers or, later, distinguished spectators in a theater.”
18th Century
German
Orchester
“Orchestra; the musical ensemble term that supplied the base for the later mechanical-instrument name.”
Late 18th–Early 19th Century
German
Orchestrion
“A mechanical instrument intended to reproduce the effects of an orchestra.”
19th Century
English
orchestrion
“A self-playing or mechanically operated instrument imitating an orchestra.”
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