An organ grinder is a small portable organ that works when you turn the handle and rolls of perforated paper inside plays a variety of songs. It is something that has been around for more than 200 years and was extremely popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Near the end of the 19th century and into the early 20th century the organ grinder started to fade out because of the laws that were being brought about. Eventually they started to reappear and when you travel Europe you can see an organ grinder everywhere.
Downtown Vienna, Austria is a fabulous place to see a traditional organ grinder. As Spring approaches and the warmer weather begins in Vienna, the street cafes open and the music is heard as you wander the...
... downtown core. You can see the smiles on peoples faces as an organ grinder passes by.
The organ grinder of modern days is usually very well dressed such as this man in the picture and the music is much more pleasant to listen to. Back in the early days, some people used to get annoyed at an organ grinder as they were usually tone deaf and had no sense of basic rhythm. Times have changed and most of them that you see in Vienna, Austria are pleasant to listen to and delightful to watch.
A man with an old music box, Leierkasten Mann, near the Stephansdom in downtown Vienna, Austria, Europe
An organ grinder tours the streets of downtown Vienna, Austria playing his music for all the passing people.
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