e-concertpianola

e-Concert #6

A more heavyweight classical selection this time around! An archival quality copy of everything you hear has been matrix scanned for preservation. Many thanks to Julian Dyer for the Bantock piece, scanning and making this possible.

1. Pierrot of the Minute
The English composer Granville Bantock wrote this quirky "comedy overture" in 1908 after the one act drama of the same name by Ernest Dowson. Bantock made this special-for-pianola arrangement for the Aeolian Company in London a dozen or so years later. This is a "themodist" roll intended for interactive playing via a live pianolist. Some dynamics and tempo have been inserted into this midi scan to give a better idea of the piece. Themodist T957 Pierrot of the Minute - Bantock 88-note

2. La Feria
French composer Paul Lacome (1839-1920) wrote this bright "La Feria" suite which, on roll, is indeed a rare treat. Lacome wrote (with Ivan Caryll) the musical "Ma Mie Rosette" amongst others and also penned a song entitled "Estudiantina" the principal melody of which was latterly arranged by Waldteufel into the well-known "Estudiantina" waltz. Again, a little added dynamics and tempo breathe some life into this electronic version. The roll is a US Connorized issue rebadged for UK sale by Triumph.Triumph 62230 La Feria - Lacome 88-note

3.Souvenir de la Havane
A rare piece of Gottschalk on 65-note roll. A "Grand Caprice de Concert" on themes recalling Cuba. Universal 4746 Souvenir de la Havane - Gottschalk 65-note

4. Banditenstreiche
Suppe's melodious overture to his Banditenstreiche operetta (or "Jolly Robbers" in English). On the list of well-known Suppe overtures this is probably still top-five these days. This is an original period 4-hand arrangement. Hear the canter of the horses and the mad clashing galop finale. Has criminal enterprise ever been so gloriously immortalized in music since? Artistyle 88260 Jolly Robbers (overture) - Suppe arr Brandl 88-note

5. Etude Mazurka
On of the very popular pieces by pianist and composer Adrien Talexy (1820-1881). He's quite unknown today - a little unfairly considering his regard in the mid 19th century. Pianola 72985 Etude Mazurka Op 19 - Talexy 65-note

6. Endlich Allein
This is a waltz by Knopf based on the song "Parisianer Luft" and pre-dates the Lehar operetta of the same title. This is unusual in that the music has been specially arranged for pianola by Otto Lindemann who was an arranger for a few german music publishers. Themodist TL15733 Endlich Allein - Knopf arr. O Lindemann 65-note

7. Don Juan
Richard Strauss' ground-breaking tone-picture overture dating back to 1888. Here is the original 4-hand arrangement from one of the first rolls produced by Aeolian in London to compliment the main American imported catalogue masters. I've straightened out (only!) three chords, added some tempo, dynamics and sustain to make it more listenable in electronic format. This is a 65-note roll and shows just what the format is capable of delivering. Universal (UK) L1008 Don Juan - Richard Strauss 65-note