Robbie wondered what could be wrong with the Duo-Art recordings
heard by critic Edward Rothstein (Digest 961216).

It's possible that the pianos recorded were not in perfect
condition.  Very few rebuilders are also musicians with a critical ear,
and their handiwork is a matter of "pride".  To suggest that they
could do a better job would likely destroy further cooperation.

Also, my experience is that some art/music critics are more concerned
with how their contemporaries view their opinions than the ultimate
validity of the opinion itself.  When you have heard a few discouraging
comments already from your fellow art critics in regard to reproducer
performances, and then it comes your turn to critique one, you will
find out what I mean.

If you want an accurate story on what the piano can _really_ do,
find the newspaper reviews which describe the "comparison concerts",
like when every major art critic in New York City was seated together
at Carnegie Hall, comparing the performance of the Duo-Art with the
live performance by the very artist who made the roll.  I suggest that
it would be a lot more reliable.

Craig Brougher