Enriqué Granados: Pianola Improvisation

Granados: Improvisation (Theme of Valenciana Jota, with the influence South Arab Music). New York native Randolph Herr is one of the finest interpreters of the piano roll in the 21st century. A Pianolist was an ephemeral term from the early 1900s for one who operated a Pianola (a trademark of Aeolian company) or player piano. The earliest mass produced mechanisms were in the form of a multi-fingered pneumatic apparatus that was placed in front of an existing piano keyboard, and which played paper piano rolls manufactured by one of several companies in America. Later, the apparatus was concealed inside upright and grand pianos. Many early rolls had dynamics and pedaling notation printed on the roll, as a guide for the pianolist. The foot pedals of the instrument created the air required of the device, which used air to activate the keys of the piano and drive the paper forward on the spool. Hand levers controlled the damper pedal as well as loudness and softness of treble and bass. Accents could be created using a combination of these controls. Knowledge of music was helpful in creating a faithful interpretation. Subsequently, reproducing pianos were manufactured; the mechanisms of which automatically interpreted perforations in the margins of each specially issued roll. The main manufacturers of these instruments and rolls were Aeolians Duo-Art, American Piano Companys AMPICO, and the Welte-Mignon (Licensee), the German forerunner of all reproducing pianos.
Randolph Herr plays a rare roll recording recorded in New York for Aeolian Company by composer Enrique Granados, shortly before he made his fatal voyage to his beloved Spain. His steamship, the Sussex, was torpedoed by a German submarine in the English Channel on March 24, 1916.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• reproducing
• piano
• concert
• pianolist

[RobinPratt]

Lovely!