To quote Wikipedia, “A computer is a general-purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Since a sequence of operations can be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem.” Given the early devices seen over the centuries, I think this is an accurate definition of many devices, such as punch card mechanical adding machines, that came before the electric devices we have today.

Well, this particular 110-year-old computer can be seen on youtube playing Bohemian Rhapsody!

It is owned by Skyrock Farm. According to their website, “Skyrock Farm is a premier hunter-jumper training facility located in Medina, Minnesota.” Sounds fascinating, but they also have a large collection of carousel organs. One of those organs is in the video, their 81-key Marenghi. Check out the collection on their website – it is quite impressive.

Be sure to listen to their computer here hard at work. First thing the organist does is load the program up. The programming is punch card programming. This particular type of punch card programming was used by mechanical computers seen in the textile looms from around 1725 and instruments such as these into the 19th and 20th centuries. Developed by Basile Bouchon and Jean-Baptiste Falcon, these first punch cards were made as large rolls of paper that are spooled up and ran through the machine. After that, away it goes! He has boxes of more music available, too. Personally, I’d love to hear Mack the Knife.

As you’re listening, you may ask yourself, how is that organ making drum sounds? Well, it has built-in drums that are played by the computer, as well!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTnGI6Knw5Q&w=560&h=315]

First seen by me on nerdist.com.