Justinian Morse
England
Biography
Justinian Morse of England is credited by the author as apparently the first person to succeed in mechanically playing a keyboard instrument, in 1731. He obtained a patent describing a new organ that could be played by feet or hands, or set in motion by clockwork, jack, or winch, using tunes recorded on wainscot boards rather than pins or barrels, intended to let the unmusical play psalm tunes, fugues, and anthems 'with great exactness.' The patent claimed the device would be cheaper than existing instruments and suited to churches, chapels, and private homes lacking a resident organist. The author notes that no instrument matching Morse's description is known to survive, but given the strictness of contemporary patent law, believes Morse must have built at least a working model to his specification.
Highlights
- Apparently made the first successful attempt to play a keyboard instrument by mechanical means, in 1731
- Obtained a patent describing a self-playing organ operated by feet, hands, clockwork, jack, or winch, using music 'prickt' on wainscot boards
- No surviving instrument matching his patent is known, though he likely built at least a working model
Source
Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), pp. 132, 133.
Public domain.