MMD > Archives > January 1997 > 1997.01.02 > 05Prev  Next


Pianolist Recording Possibilities
By Bryan Cather

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

(Message sent Thu 2 Jan 1997, 05:36:35 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

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