Craig Brougher seems exasperated with the discussion of alternative
schemes to control loudness and/or expression, as implied in this note
which preceded the fine technical articles he sent today:

> Date: Fri, 30 Aug 96 14:15:33 UT
> From: "Craig Brougher" <craig_brougher@msn.com>
> To: "Automatic Music Mailing List" <rolls@foxtail.com>
> Subject: Latest Duo-Art Modification

> After reading the latest and greatest way to modify a reproducer for
> soft playing with expression (forget the fact that all Duo-Arts have
> a "Soft" position), why not go whole hog and just tear out the
> expression box underneath, because you won't need it anymore. Here is
> the latest device:

> Bore a 1" hole through the plate, the soundboard, etc. in line with
> the lid prop cup. You mount a giant multi-leaved hinged pneumatic
> under the piano and attach your new (extra-long) lid prop to that. Get
> some really big valves.  As the roll calls for expression, the lid
> flies up and down accordingly ... [and] the player flies off the floor
> like a big one-winged bat.

This is a pretty humourous vision, actually;  I've heard stories about
the "musical sculptures" at the House on the Rock museum -- Craig's
invention would in a natural setting there!

Incidentally, the German term for the concert grand piano with the big
raised lid is "der Fluegel" -- literally, "the wing".  And, naturally,
the Reproducing Fluegel would perform the overture to "Die Fledermaus
(The Bat)"!

Robbie Rhodes, Relief Editor