Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > February 1997 > 1997.02.26 > 10Prev  Next


Player Rolls Accompany the Phonograph
By Larry Lobel

As Robbie requested, here's the list of phono and player-piano duets from booklet "Good Times With Your Gulbransen:"  The accompanying text says:

"Here is a stunt that will surprise nearly everybody -- to hear a phonograph sing while you play an accompaniment on the Gulbransen.  The wonder is how you 'get them together.'  It is quite simple.  The roll is cut to synchronize perfectly with the record when both are played at the right speed.

"Put the roll on first, play a few bars to get the key in your mind, then start the record.  If it plays too low for the piano, speed it up.  If it plays too high, reduce its speed.  Sometimes it is desirable to transpose the roll a tone or two because the record plays better faster or slower. In playing, pedal gently or you will drown the weaker phonograph tones. And keep adjusting the tempo lever till you are in perfect time with the records.  Try these selections:"

  Beloved, It is Morn; Sung by John Barnes Wells on
    Victor Record 31791; Imperial 9262
  Berceuse from Jocelyn; Sung by Alma Gluck on
    Victor Record 74369; QRS 500105
  Good-Bye; Sung by Caruso on
    Victor Record 88280; QRS 500088
  Home, Sweet Home; Sung by Amelita Galli-Curci on
    Victor Record 74511; QRS 500097
  I Hear You Calling Me; sung by John Mccormack on
    Victor Record 51724; Imperial 927
  Irish Love Songs; Sung by Schumann-Heink on
    Victor Record 87002 ; Imperial 933
  Little Grey Home in the West; Sung by Alma Gluck on
    Victor Record 64412; Imperial 936
  Lucia di Lammermoor; Sung by Tetrazzini, Caruso, Amato, Journet,
    Jacoby, Bada on Victor Record 96201; QRS 500094
  Perfect Day, A; Sung by Evan Williams on
    Victor Record 64306; QRS 500095
  Rigoletto Quartet; Sung by Sembrich, Severina, Scoti and Caruso on
    Victor Record 96001; QRS 50094
  Silver Threads Among the Gold; Sung by Elsie Baker on
    Victor Record 17474; Imperial 913
  The Sunshine of Your Smile; Sung by John McCormack on
    Victor Record 64622; QRS 500084
  Two Grenadiers, The; Sung by Clarence Whitehill on
    Victor Record 74556; QRS 500098

 [ In 1913 Welte (Poughkeepsie) issued a series of 34 rolls to be played
 [ along with a phonograph fitted with a pallet valve for generating a
 [ synchronizing pulse upon each revolution of the phonograph turntable.
 [ A corresponding slot in the music roll opened an extra hole in the
 [ tracker at the same time.  (Ref. the Welte book by Chas. Davis Smith,
 [ page 298.)  Most likely is was the piano airmotor which was "slaved"
 [ to the pulses from the phonograph; a surviving Welte piano with the
 [ special synchronizing unit has not been found.  -- Robbie


(Message sent Wed 26 Feb 1997, 14:14:45 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Accompany, Phonograph, Player, Rolls

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page