Symphonium - Image 1

The tiny symphonium was, in effect, a cross between a harmonica and the nascent concertina (introduced to the public by Wheatstone in 1830). The relationship with the harmonica stems from the fact that both instruments are mouth-blown. The symphonium's connection with the developing concertina relates to the buttons or studs on the sides. Players blew through an oval embouchure hole (lined with ivory bushing) attached to the front of the symphonium, while simultaneously depressing the ivory buttons (studs) on the sides of the instrument. According to an article published in 1831, the symphonium is described as '. . . a remarkably pretty instrument, in size and shape resembling a silver snuff-box, such as may be carried in the waistcoat pocket, and possessing capabilities of a very extraordinary nature . . . a vast improvement on all the things of the kind recently imported from Germany and France.' (I. P. [John Parry?], 'On the Accordion and the Symphonion [sic],' Harmonicon 9 (January 1831): 56-57.)