Antiques Roadshow Season 26 Episode 18 Musical Scores

In this episode of Antiques Roadshow, the focus is on Musical Scores. The Roadshow team travels to a number of different cities around the United States to evaluate and appraise a range of unique, historic, and valuable musical scores.

The first segment takes place in San Diego, California, where a family brings in a collection of sheet music that's been passed down through multiple generations. The collection spans several genres and time periods, from early 20th century pop and Vaudeville to classical works by Mozart and Beethoven. The appraisers examine the condition of the sheets and investigate the provenance of each piece, revealing some surprising stories behind the family's musical legacy.

In Portland, Oregon, a woman brings in an antique music box that's been in her family for over a century. The intricate contraption plays a range of tunes, from folk songs to popular waltzes of the late 1800s. The appraisers examine the mechanics of the box, marveling at the intricacy and craftsmanship of the Swiss-made mechanism. They also evaluate the aesthetic value of the box itself, which is adorned with ornate carvings and inlaid with precious materials.

In Atlanta, Georgia, a man brings in a rare piece of sheet music signed by legendary jazz pianist Duke Ellington. The appraisers delve into the history of the song and the context of Ellington's career, revealing some fascinating insights into the world of jazz in the 1930s and 40s. They also examine the condition of the score and evaluate its potential value to collectors and aficionados of jazz history.

In Indianapolis, Indiana, a woman brings in a collection of historic hymnals dating back to the early days of the United States. The appraisers pore over the delicate pages, uncovering a wealth of information about the religious and cultural practices of the time. They also investigate the provenance of the books, tracing their journey from the Old World to the New and exploring their role in shaping the musical and spiritual heritage of America.

Finally, in Miami, Florida, a man brings in a rare manuscript written by legendary composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The appraisers examine the handwriting and musical notation on the page, identifying the specific piece and assessing its potential value as a collector's item. They also explore the history of Beethoven's career and his impact on classical music across the globe.

Through each of these segments, viewers are treated to a fascinating journey through the world of musical scores and the unique stories and insights they offer. From jazz legends to classical composers, from antique music boxes to historic hymnals, the treasures on display reveal the rich and diverse history of music and its enduring power to inspire and delight.