Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/A/Aeolian attachment
Aeolian attachment. This is the name which the ingenious inventor, Coleman, has affixed to one of those musical desiderata, which have been rather hoped for than expected. All pianists and manufacturers of the instrument have long felt that artistic skill and mechanical ingenuity had vainly essayed to banish that woodiness of sound, and want of sustained vibration, that attended the emission of its tone. The Aeolian Attachment not only removes the evils that are inherent in the piano-forte, but imparts to it a distinctive vibratory and sustaining power, combining the rich volume and swell of the organ with the passionate intensity and pathetic tenderness elicited from an Amati, or a Straduarius, by a gifted violinist. By the aid of this invention, the dominant vibration may be sustained during the execution of the most difficult passages, and yet there is the most perfect assimilation of sound; indeed, not only is the necessary balance never destroyed, but the general quality of tone is improved. The power of the lower portion of the piano-forte may be increased to that of the lower double C of an organ pipe of thirty-two feet. But the principal advantage is gained in the middle region of the instrument ; and here the most delicate shades of feeling may be expressed : the white and black keys seem instinct with human passion, and all the various emotions which the most accomplished vocalist call feel and achieve are placed beneath the fingers and at the command of the performer. And yet the piano-forte is not bereft of its peculiar nature ; all its usual re-sources remain undisturbed ; and so perfect is the application of the invention, that it is adapted to every class of' piano-forte, large or small, square or upright, thin and poor, powerful and brilliant. Like the soul of harmony, it lies concealed with-in, and its voice is alone evoked at the will of the performer. Its only external sign is an extra pedal, and the slightest pressure is ample to draw forth the vocal power. It is the invention of Mr. Coleman, an American gentleman, who has devoted many years to he labor which he has so triumphantly achieved.