Hello MMDers

At the end of February (MMD 000222) we had some correspondence
concerning the early Duo Art rolls produced in London, and in particular
roll number 010 which is apparently labelled Schuberts Impromptu
Op 142 No 4 in A Flat played by Claudio Arrau. As this title does not
exist we were interested to learn exactly what was on the roll. With
much help from Mr Gerald Stonehill who has a copy of the roll we have
now ascertained that the piece is in fact Impromptu Op 142 No 4 in
F Minor (Deutche 935/4).

We were also interested in when Arrau played his early roll at the
tender age of 16. Mr Stonehill has evidence that Arrau cut the roll in
1920 and since his 17th birthday fell on 6th Feb 1920 it must have been
very early in that year. From his diaries we know he played the
Goldberg Variations at The Aeolian Hall in January and then followed
with a concert with Nellie Melba at the Albert Hall just a few weeks
later. This would have been a very good reason for Aeolian to produce
the roll.

If anyone is fortunate enough to have a copy of this very rare roll,
please alter it accordingly.

Alan Whytock