I am very interested in recording as a Pianolist.  I have participated
in two player piano and reed organ recitals at a local museum and am
preparing a third.  I am very interested in making high-quality
recordings of classical arranged piano rolls (_not_ hand-played rolls,
for reasons I'll explain later).

However,  I do not currently have access to a suitable piano
(preferably a Themodist foot-pumped grand, definately a foot-pumped
grand).  I do have a friend who is a professional musician, and can
advise on the recording aspect.  I am located in the Dallas-Fort Worth
area, and would be willing to travel as time allows.  Am I a hopeless
dreamer, or is anyone out there interested in a similar project?

The reason I am particularly interested in _arranged_ rolls, is because
I do not wish to attempt to _replicate_ someone else's performance, but
to interpret the roll into my _own_ performance.  I have a small number
of "Pianolist's Library" rolls which are just the ticket for such an
endeavor.  Two I would like to record are Beethoven's "Moonlight
Sonata" and "Anitra's Dance" and "In The Hall Of The Mountain King",
from Grieg's "Peer Gynt" Suite No.1.  I have also bid on Liszt's
"Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2", also from the "Pianolist's Library" series
in an auction.  I hope I get it.  I think these "Chestnuts" would sell
well.

Another piece that would sell well would be Gershwin's "Rhapsody In
Blue".  However, I don't think a suitable arranged roll is available.
If all else fails, I could get a copy of the score and feed it into a
MIDI program and get that angel of perforated paper, Janet Tonnesen
(who I am glad to call a friend), to make me a copy.

Anyway, as I said earlier, if there is anyone who would like to work
with me on this, _please_ let me know.  Also, to all of you, have a
happy and prosperous 1997.

Bryan Cather¶
BSnakeC@AOL.com

 [ I guess that the foot-pumper grand is pretty rare; I've not seen one
 [ here in the States.  Could you perhaps use a push-up player, coupled
 [ to the piano of your choice?  -- Robbie