A Century-Long Homecoming
This Friday, a unique event will take place in Manhattan—a rare barrel piano will once again fill the air with its tunes, almost a century after Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia banned such instruments from the streets of the city.
The 127-year-old piano will be showcased at the Italian American Museum, marking a significant moment for an instrument that was once a common sight on New York’s streets.
“This isn’t just about bringing back a musical instrument; it’s about reconnecting with the history of an entire community,” said Tony Gangi, the current owner of the piano. “I’m absolutely thrilled that it will return to the place where it was born, even if just for a day.”
The piano’s return to the city is historic—it’s the first time since 1899 that it has been in New York, having been made by Caesar Maserati on Chambers Street, who was noted for his craftsmanship in barrel pianos and organs.
Marino Persechini, a famous street performer, owned this particular piano for seven decades, becoming well-known for playing it across Boston’s streets until his retirement in 1974.
Performers like Persechini, often referred to as organ-grinders or hurdy-gurdy men, were primarily Italian immigrants who sought a better life in America. Over time, these instruments became intertwined with their cultural identity.
Gangi elaborated, “These instruments were a means of financial independence, allowing them to escape the control of prejudiced employers. Sadly, stereotypes began to form around Italian-American immigrants as a result.”
LaGuardia’s opposition to the street performers was personal; as a teenager, he faced derogatory remarks, including being asked, “Where’s your monkey?” during his time in Arizona.
In 1935, he took the significant step of halting the licensing of street musicians, including organ grinders and barrel piano players, citing issues like panhandling and congestion. This effectively banned the tradition from New York City.
While the ban was lifted by Mayor John V. Lindsay in 1970, the lasting impact on the culture and industry was undeniable. Gangi noted, “It’s unfortunate that such bans resulted in damage to a once-thriving practice; nobody produces these instruments in the U.S. anymore.”
Many remaining barrel pianos are in poor condition, and even antique dealers lack in-depth knowledge about them.
At 6 p.m. on Friday, Gangi and his wife, Suzanne, will share the history of the piano, Persechini, and LaGuardia during the special presentation at the museum. For this single day, the melodies of the barrel piano will resonate through the museum, and all are welcomed to try playing it themselves.
“We are honored to host Tony and Suzanne Gangi along with this remarkable instrument,” expressed Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, founder and president of the Italian American Museum. “This piano represents the struggles of Italian American immigrants and their rich contributions to our culture in their adopted homeland.”
