The first functioning devices were developed in the early Constructed in the 19th century. It did not take on its actual form and function, which we are still familiar with today, until around the turn of the 19. to the 20th century. It could well be that the sounds so typical of this machine are no longer familiar: the striking noises, the bell sound that reminded us that the end of the line was near, the whirring and rattling of the platen, the clicking of the lever with which it was to be moved – ultimately a whole arsenal of percussive noises with musical qualities. Together with flautist Eric Lamb and pianist Nora Skuta, percussionist Rupert Struber has dedicated an entire program to this enchanting device, which of course includes the classic of all typewriter compositions, Leroy Anderson’s “The Typewriter”.

The typewriter, an invention of the arms manufacturer Remington, is also a feminist issue; the “typist’s maid” – smartly dressed and with the posture of a piano player – was first seen as a threat because writing and working in the administration room was no longer a male domain. However, “men” were quick to deny women the ability to produce literature. Typing was degraded to a low-paid, unappreciated job for women. A detour in the concert leads to Arnold Schönberg, who (also) invented a typewriter!