orchestrion

[ awr-kes-tree-uhn ]

noun

1. a mechanical musical instrument, resembling a barrel organ but more elaborate, for producing the effect of an orchestra.

Word History and Origins

Origin of orchestrion¹

1830–40; orchestr(a) + -ion, as in accordion

Example Sentences

See, for instance, the music room, where a brass-looking, water-spewing elephant trunk fuels the instruments, including an ornate orchestrion.

From Los Angeles Times

The orchestrion may not be to all tastes, but its use in these concerts is emblematic of Mr Metheny’s fresh approach to contemporary jazz, which shows no signs of wilting after more than four decades.

From Economist

The five-man Unity Group could well be the only one on America’s summer concert circuit that peps up its performances with an orchestrion.

From Economist

There were a couple of twinkling orchestrion interludes before Mr. Metheny stepped to the fore with a serrated tone and a fiery attack.

From New York Times

The biggest moments included four additional musicians, straining mightily, along with a partial reconstruction of Mr. Metheny’s orchestrion, the whiz-bang electromechanical orchestra that he unveiled four years ago and has kept refining since.

From New York Times