Let this Caged Bird Sing

From the desk of Ned P. Rauch:

Christian Frederick Martin founded his guitar-making company in 1833. His first shop was on Hudson Street, in New York City. This guitar, on display at the Met, was made there in 1838, just before the company moved to Nazareth, Pa. There should be a raffle, held once a year, that gives one person the chance to play it for a few minutes. Wouldn't you love to hear this darling? There's something so sad about seeing beauties like this trapped behind glass. I know they have to be protected, but still. I think of zoos when I look at instruments in display cases. They appear inert, which they oughtn't. Let those caged birds sing, I say.

(Photo by NPR)