The Strand Magazine was first published in 1891 and survived until after the Second World War. It published a mixture of fiction and factual studies of contemporary life. This series of five articles presents its summary of the musicians one might find on the streets of London in the 1890s. The additional notes are by . The Campanologist, The Musical Glasses, The One Man Band and The Ballad Singer ![]() Perhaps the oldest, and least objectionable of the street musicians is the campanologist, or, as he styles himself, “The Royal Bell-Ringer.” He makes a pitch in a quiet street or alley, and rigs up his ten bells on a tightened wire. With a short stick in each hand, he strikes his bells, and produces some pleasing melodies: the general favourites are “Home Sweet Home” and the “Blue Bells of Scotland”; and he generally concludes with a wedding peal. [Note 1] ![]() ![]() The “One Man band” is a well-known character. He began life with a Punch and Judy show, and then played the drum and pan-pipes. Being of an inventive turn of mind he added to his instruments the tambourine, triangle, and cymbals, which he played by leg movements. Then he added a concertina strapped to the left arm, a pair of clappers occupied his left hand, and with his right hand he played a hurdy-gurdy. The cap and jingling bells on his head completed “the band.” All these instruments were carefully kept in tune with each other, and the performer produced some passable dance music of the country-fair type, while his boy took round the collecting shell. There are several similar performers about the country, but none with so many instruments. ![]() |
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