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
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