The Cat Piano: Worst Instrument Ever

The first order of business on Misfiled History is to explain the title illustration. It is a musical instrument devised (but probably never created) by Misfiled History Patron Saint Athanasius Kircher, a 17th century Jesuit scholar. It is called a katzenklavier, or cat piano. The cats' tails are placed under the keys so when the keys are pressed the cat yowls. Naturally, the cats are placed in order of their vocal pitch to create a scale. It's a cruel device with no redeeming moral, societal, or musical value. But it was funny in the mid 1600s and it's amusing now.

Cats are not the only musical animals. Here is a video of the Thai Elephant Orchestra. While pretty good for elephants, it's not Mozart. On the plus side, no elephants are harmed in the making of this music.