Hello MMD readers,

Have been reading the threads about this rare Duo-Art set, which is
supposedly "played by Stravinsky". (It's probably patched-up by W. C.
Woods, but the main thing is that without the extensive text and
illustrations, the Duo-Art version is a musical bore, when all is said
and done.)

I have Rolls 1 and 6, purchased in the 'Fifties, while a friend bought
Roll 2, at the same San Francisco music store. Since that time, I've
heard the set and have had about 5 opportunities to purchase the
complete one, including - not long ago - from a seller who claimed
that composer Stravinsky "personally autographed each roll" (which
means he's not very good at identifying logotypes).

Tone colour is what "makes" this piece, and on the Duo-Art piano it's
about as lackluster - unless used for musical structure study
purposes - as the "played by Stoessel" (Woods?) orchestral music,
especially symphonic scores by Tchaikowsky.

If you are a real FIREBIRD SUITE fan, I suggest searching out the old
Ernst Ansermet 78s, now on tape or CD (or LP), I would assume.
Conductor Ansermet collaborated with the composer, on his early
electric records, as did arranger Robert Lyon, who faked the "played
by Stravinsky" rolls for Pleyel, in France.

We highly recommend that one view the VHS tape - from a British
television film - of Margot Fonteyn dancing part of this work. Her
electrifying - almost "bird-like" - interpretation is something which
should be seen, since this was, after all, a work for ballet, which
means a visual art form. (The VHS tape is available today, but as I'm
typing from our trailer in Searsport, and transmitting by cellular
'phone, I don't have the serial number or publisher, here; those, who
are interested, can write to me, and I'll be happy to provide this
information, upon our return to Wiscasset.)

In short, stripped of the visuals, the Duo-Art version does not stand
on its own musical legs. It's rare. It's interesting to see, and play
once or twice, but the rolls are plodding and rather frozen in the
expression.  Also, it has some retrofit elements, such as a sloppily
added (after the fact?) Tempo 120 being inserted in the Coda of
Roll 6. Where does one change the tempo, in the middle of a chord?

 [ Text describing Pianola concert moved from here to separate message ]

Anyway, I vote "no" on trying to reissue the Stravinsky rolls. The
visuals of this roll set are what hold the the interest, unless one
has only a passing experience with Stravinsky's influential ballet
music. They are best enjoyed in their original, AudioGraphic form.

Regards,
(signed) Douglas Henderson

ARTCRAFT Music Rolls
http://www.wiscasset.net/artcraft/