The Harmonium Handbook

Although the harmonium is slowly growing in favor of the public, its capabilities are at present very little known and greatly underestimated. It appears to be the idea generally that anyone who can play the pianoforte or the organ is therefore properly qualified, without special study or tuition, to play the harmonium. The harmonium possesses the power of sustaining the sounds it can sustain them at varying degrees of intensity, according to the will of the performer, and without necessarily altering the combinations of the draw-stops. It is, in fact, capable of the most refined expression, and in this respect closely resembles the human voice. The harmonium is suitable for solo performances or orchestral purposes and forms an admirable accompaniment for voice or instrument. To the composer of instrumental music, the harmonium is simply invaluable.