Loophonium

The Loophonium was designed and fabricated by Fritz Spiegl in Liverpool in 1960.[2] Spiegl was known for his musical jokes; he had previously composed music such as a Concerto for Two Tuning Forks and the Motor Horn Concerto.[3] The instrument was made to use for concerts held by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic on April Fools' Day at the Philharmonic Hall.[4][1] Spiegl had been holding these concerts since 1952. During this time, Spiegl was the principal flautist of the orchestra (1948–1963).[5]

The Loophonium is a portmanteau of "loo", a British name for a toilet, and euphonium.[6] The Loophonium's alternative name, the Harpic-cord (or Harpic-phone),[7] is a play both on the harpsichord instrument and the Harpic brand of toilet cleaner.[5][8][3]

The Loophonium consists of two parts: a silver-plated[9] euphonium with Perinet valves[2] connected at the bell to a mock-Victorian toilet.[4][8][3] The toilet was painted with flower designs by Spiegl's eight-year-old daughter, Emily.[5][3] The toilet seat is a golden three-stringed lyre.[4][5][2][10] The design is patented.[5]

The Loophonium was played by Spiegl at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's April Fools' Day and "Nuts in May" concerts.[8][3] When the national anthem was played at concerts involving the Loophonium, the toilet seat would be raised as if to salute.[1][3][5] It was also used once by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, where it was played by the principal tuba.[11]

The Loophonium resided at the house of Peter Spaull, a classical music journalist, for two years. It was played on New Year's Eve by Spaull to bring in the new year.[11]

After Spiegl's death in 2003, the Loophonium was sold to the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool for a price of £2,640.[4][7][8] It was sold at Sotheby's Bond Street auction house on 23 November in a lot of 103 instruments (including the Loophonium). The sale also included a copy of Spiegl's Music Through the Looking Glass.[10][2] After a repair in 2004 at the National Conservation Centre,[12][11] the Loophonium was put on display in 2006 at the gallery.[9] The display includes a speaker that plays a recording of Frère Jacques on the Loophonium.[13] The absurdity of the instrument makes it very popular with children.[14]