Dan Wilson, London, recently responded to a question by Bob Lloyd (What
were Themodist-Metrostyle rolls meant to be played on?) with a detailed
and informative MMD posting.  An owner of one of the American Aeolian
pianos described by Mr. Wilson, I was delighted to learn that my father
(previous owner) and I had stumbled onto valid ways to "interpret" the
88-note (and even 65-note) Themodist-Metrostyle rolls we've collected
over the years. The technical description was both interesting and
validating.  The element it seemed to lack, though, was a description
of the sheer fun of it all.

There you are with (more often than not) a big fat roll of music ranging
from anywhere in the classics to something like "A Night in Cairo" (a
romp that just has to be experienced!) and you actually get to make
music with it!  Your adoring public (guests at your home), especially
those who have never experienced your artistry on a roll like this, are
blown away!!  "What are you doing with all of those levers and that
funny thing you seem to be wiggling around on the paper?"  (The question
is absolutely predictable.) And, like all great expected questions, it's
your chance to wax professorial.

You tell them that you're chasing the tempo marking line with your right
hand while (simultaneously!) responding to that other line, the dynamics
markings, with four levers in your left hand--and get this--YOUR FEET!!
Can you believe that?  No, they can't.  You are instantly a magical
combination of an undiscovered musical genius and a circus act.  And
the thrill doesn't end there.  You can be down in the dumps and still
convince yourself of your remarkable talents ALL BY YOURSELF.  I'm not
sure what the "poor people" are doing tonight, but I think I'll be
playing the "Cecile Waltz."