• ensemble of Royal Infantry Regiment of Archduke Sigismund: participating ensemble

Prager Morgenpost 16/5/1863 published news of this event, reporting: ‘On the Rohan Island will today be an aerostatic aerial display [ein aerostatisches Luft-Schauspiel], consisting of the launching of the „beautiful Mayer“ [schönen Mayer], an air balloon. In addition, the Regimental Ensemble of the Royal Infantry Regiment Archduke Sigismund will be heard.’

A substantial advertisement for the event appeared in Prager Morgenpost 16/5/1863, describing the musical content of the occasion as a ‘concert’: ‘Rohan Island. Today great aerostatic aerial display, or the beautiful Meyer Farewell from Prague and his journey in the higher Regions. Commencing from 4 o’clock Concert of the Regimental Ensemble of the worthy Royal Infantry Regiment of Archduke Sigismund under the personal direction of the Kapellmeister Mr Müller. Beginning 4 o’clock. All details are given on the poster.’

Such outdoor entertainments involving the launching of static hot-air balloons was a favourite social spectacle in many European cities during the second half of the nineteenth century. Meyer was possibly the organizer and aviator in this event.