Virtual Tour of "Beethoven & Berlioz, Paris & Vienna: Musical Treasures from the Age of Revolution & Romance 1789-1848" Dancing Master's Fiddle attributed to Richard Tobin, London, early 19th century NMM 2681. Dancing master's fiddle attributed to Richard Tobin, London, early 19th century. Kits, as they called them in England, but more commonly known by the French term, pochettes, because they could be put in a tubular case and stuck in one's pocket, were used by dancing masters, not to play for dances (they would not be heard), but to come to one's flat or apartment and teach you and your partner the latest dance steps. More commonly built in the 17th and 18th centuries and often more elaborately decorated (of which the Museum has a number of gorgeous examples), this late example from the early 19th century is yet another illustration of how traditions continued to hold the public imagination, despite the profound changes brought about by the industrial revolution. Board of Trustees, 1980. NMM 2678. Kit bow by James Dodd, London, early 19th century. A rare little bow, built by a well-known English bowmaker, that has survived with the Richard Tobin kit (NMM 2681). Board of Trustees, 1980. Source: André P. Larson, Beethoven & Berlioz, Paris & Vienna: Musical Treasures from the Age of Revolution & Romance 1789-1848, with essay by John Koster, exhibition catalog, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, September 12-November 2, 2003 (Vermillion: National Music Museum 2003), p. 39.   Click arrow to continue Virtual Tour of Beethoven and Berlioz Exhibition Go to Beethoven and Berlioz Exhibition Virtual Tour Index Go to Virtual Gallery Tour Index Exhibition catalog and poster available from Gift Shop National Music Museum The University of South Dakota 414 East Clark Street Vermillion, SD 57069 ©National Music Museum, 2003, 2004 Most recent update: October 22, 2007 You are the 15,562nd visitor to this page since May 18 2003. The University of South Dakota Return to Top of Page