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Street music: A bird mimic, 1816
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Street music: A bird mimic, 1816
A street musician who mimics the notes of common English birds by means of a folded bit of tin, which is held between the teeth; but in order to engage the attention of the credulous, he pretends ro draw his tones from two tobacco pipes. A boy in the foreground appears to be selling sheet music. Date: 1816
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Media ID 7247987
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10579128
1810s 1816 Audience Ballad Mimic Mimicry Musician Performer Pipes Pretend Pretends Seller Selling Sheet Tobacco Trick Bird Song Mimics
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1. Title: "The Bird Mimic of the Streets: An 1816 Scene of Musical Deception" In this intriguing 1816 scene, captured by an unnamed photographer, we witness an extraordinary street performance that blends music, artistry, and deception. The central figure is a skilled bird mimic, who captivates the audience with his remarkable ability to mimic the notes of common English birds using a simple yet ingenious tool. The performer holds a folded bit of tin between his teeth, creating a unique resonance that allows him to mimic the melodic sounds of various birds. To add an extra layer of intrigue, he pretends to draw his tones from two tobacco pipes, which he holds in each hand. The unsuspecting crowd, mesmerized by the spectacle, eagerly listens, their eyes fixed on the performer's every move. In the foreground, a young boy sells sheet music, likely hoping to capitalize on the popularity of the bird mimic's performance. The boy's presence adds to the bustling social atmosphere of the scene, as passersby engage in conversation and enjoy the music. The bird mimic's act, while impressive, is not without its elements of trickery. The use of tobacco pipes as props adds an air of mystery and creates an illusion that further engages the audience. This scene, a snapshot of the 1810s, offers a glimpse into the world of street performances and the artistry, deception, and social interaction that defined the era.
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