PLAYER PIANOS
REPRODUCING PIANOS ♦ WELTE-MIGNON ♦ AMPICO ♦ DUO-ART ♦ ORCHESTRIONS ♦ BAND ORGANS ♦ VIOLIN PLAYERS PLAYER PIANOS THE AMICA AUTOMATIC MUSICALINSTRUMENT COLLECTORS’ ASSOCIATION
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NICKELODEONS NICKELODEONS BULLETIN
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PIANO ROLLS PIANO ROLLS
February/March 2008 Volume 45,Number1
www.amica.org
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ VIOLIN PLAYERS VIOLIN ORGANS BAND ORCHESTRIONS DUO-ART AMPICO WELTE-MIGNON PIANOS REPRODUCING
ISSN #1533-9726 THE AMICA BULLETIN AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS' ASSOCIATION Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’ Association, a non-profit, tax exempt group devoted to the restoration, distribution and enjoyment of musical instruments using perforated paper music rolls and perforated music books. AMICA was founded in San Francisco, California in 1963. PROFESSOR MICHAEL A. KUKRAL, PUBLISHER, 216 MADISON BLVD., TERRE HAUTE, IN 47803-1912 -- Phone 812-238-9656, E-mail: [email protected] Visit the AMICA Web page at: http://www.amica.org Associate Editor: Mr. Larry Givens • Editor Emeritus: Robin Pratt
VOLUME 45, Number 1 February/March 2008 AMICA BULLETIN
FEATURES Display and Classified Ads Duo-Art Crossword Puzzle ...... Steve Rattle ...... 6 Articles for Publication Letters to the Publisher Reminiscences ...... Alfred Reiss ...... 7 Chapter News Meet Mr. Clean ...... Raad Alawan ...... 9 UPCOMING PUBLICATION A Pointy-Headed Piano ...... David Colman . . . . .11 DEADLINES Ervin Nyiregyhazi’s Life ...... Numerous Contributors . . . . . The ads and articles must be received 12 by the Publisher on the 1st of the AMICA International Convention 2008 ...... Frank Nix . . . . .16 Odd number months: January July Thaddeus Cahill’s Telharmonium ...... Jay Williston . . . . .22 March September The Cabinet Maker’s Apprentice...... Chickering & Sons . . . . .28 May November Bulletins will be mailed on the 2nd week of the even months. Dr. Michael A. Kukral, Publisher 216 Madison Blvd. Terre Haute, Indiana 47803-1912 Phone: 812-238-9656 e-mail: [email protected] DEPARTMENTS AMICA International ...... 2-3 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES President’s Message ...... 4 New Memberships ...... $47.00 Publisher’s Message ...... 4 Renewals ...... $47.00 Letters to Editor ...... 5 Additional $5.00 due if renewed past the Jan. 31 deadline In Memory ...... 38 Address changes and corrections New Piano Rolls & Recuts ...... 40 Directory information updates Chapter News ...... 43 Additional copies of Classified Ads ...... 55 Member Directory . . . . $25.00 Single copies of back issues ($10.00 per issue - based upon availability) William Chapman (Bill) 53685 Avenida Bermudas Front Cover: 2008 AMICA Convention Logo La Quinta, CA 92253-3586 Inside Front: Baldwin Piano Co. Ad. Submitted by Robin Pratt (760) 564-2951 e-mail: [email protected] Back Cover: 2008 Ad for Tim Trager Inside Back Cover: Cover of Gulliver’s Travels Piano Selection. To ensure timely delivery of your BULLETIN, please allow 6-weeks Submitted by Robin Pratt advance notice of address changes.
AMICA Publications reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit any and all submitted articles and advertising. While the AMICA Bulletin offers accurate and historic information to its members, the bulletin, its publisher and the AMICA Board cannot be held responsible for contributions that may be considered by some as inaccurate, speculative, or of an OP/ED Format Entire contents © 2008 AMICA International Printed by Engler Printing Co., Fremont, OH ¥ [email protected] 1 AMICA INTERNATIONAL
– INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS –
PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT PUBLISHER John Motto-Ros Mike Walter Dr. Michael A. Kukral 110 Allen Ranch Road 65 Running Brook Dr. 216 Madison Blvd. Sutter Creek, CA 95685 Lancaster, NY 14086-3314 Terre Haute, IN 47803-1912 209-267-9252 716-656-9583 812-238-9656 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER Tim Baxter Robbie Tubbs 939 Briarcliff Rd. NE 7405 Willow Alanta, GA 30306-4664 Raytown, MO 64133 404-377-1220 816-313-1075 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail:[email protected]
SECRETARY MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Marlene Beckman William Chapman (Bill) 4046 SE 53rd Street 53685 Avenida Bermudas Berryton, KS 66409-9714 La Quinta, CA 92253-3586 785-862-0128 Phone & Fax: 760-564-2951 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]
– COMMITTEES –
AMICA ARCHIVES CONVENTION COORDINATOR Tom Hutchinson Frank Nix 15361 Hopper Rd. 6030 Oakdale Ave. Sturgeon, MO 65284 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 e-mail: [email protected] 818-884-6849
AMICA MEMORIAL FUND HONORARY MEMBERS Halie Dodrill 4488 W. Mercer Way Mercer Island, WA 98040-3934 206-236-0067 e-mail: [email protected]
WEBSITE MANAGER AUDIO-VISUAL & TECHNICAL Karl B. Ellison Harold Malakinian 6 Lions Lane 2345 Forest Trail Dr. Salem, MA 01970-1784 Troy, MI 48098 e-mail: [email protected]
2 AMICA INTERNATIONAL
CHAPTER OFFICERS BOSTON AREA LADY LIBERTY SIERRA NEVADA Pres: John VanOpdorp Pres: Vincent Morgan Pres: John Motto-Ros - 209-267-9252 Vice Pres: Bob Hunt Vice Pres: Bill Maguire Vice Pres: Doug & Vicki Mahr Sec: Ken Volk Sec: Richard Karlsson Sec: Sonja Lemon Treas: Dorothy Bromage Treas: Maryam Morgan Treas: Doug & Vicki Mahr Reporter: Don Brown Reporter: Martin “Buzz” Rosa Reporter: Nadine Motto-Ros Board Rep: Bob Hunt - [email protected] Board Reps: Marvin & Dianne Polan Board Rep: Chip Lusby CHICAGO AREA 631-673-0388 SOWNY (Southern Ontario,Western New Pres: Newsletter Editor: Bill Maguire York) Vice Pres: Richard Van Metre MIDWEST (OH, MI, IN, KY) Pres: Daniel D. Tenerowicz - Sec: Carol Veome - 773-338-1042 Pres: Don Johnson - 248-650-1840 [email protected] [email protected] Vice Pres: Liz Barnhart Vice Pres: Mike Walter - Treas: Joe Pekarek Sec: Hilda Merchant [email protected] • 716-656-9583 Reporter: Curt Clifford Treas: Alvin Wulfekuhl Sec: Garry Lemon - [email protected] Board Rep: Reporter: Christy Counterman Treas: Holly Walter - FOUNDING CHAPTER Board Rep: Liz Barnhart [email protected] Pres: John Ulrich - 510-223-9587 NORTHERN LIGHTS Reporter: Garry & Anne Lemon Vice Pres: Karen Simons Pres: Paul Watkins Board Rep: Audrey Cannizzaro - Sec: Jack and Dianne Edwards - Vice Pres: Ron Olsen [email protected] [email protected] Sec: Michael LuBrant Photographer: Nancy Group & Anne Lemmon Treas/Bd Rep: Richard Reutlinger Treas: Barbara Watkins SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Reporter: Bonnie and Bob Gonzalez Reporter: Jerrilynn Boehland Pres: Leslie Hoffman - 818-512-5901 HEART OF AMERICA Board Rep: Paul Watkins Vice Pres: Pres: Robbie Tubbs PACIFIC CAN-AM Sec./Reporter: Shirley Nix Vice Pres: Charles Tyler Pres: Carl Dodrill - [email protected] Treas: Lloyd A. Osmundson Sec: Rick McDowell - 816-781-1965 Vice Pres: Halie Dodrill - [email protected] Board Rep: Frank Nix Treas: Mike Schoeppner - 816-767-9766 Sec: TEXAS Reporter: H.C. and Marlene Beckman Treas: Jack & Mary Lou Becvar Pres: Jerry Bacon - 214-328-9369 Board Rep: Gary Craig Reporter: Ron Babb Vice Pres: Bill Boruff Bd. Rep: Carl Dodrill - 206-236-0067 Treas: Vicki Brady ROCKY MOUNTAIN Sec./Reporter:Maureen Barisonek Pres: Jere DeBacker - [email protected] Board Rep: John & Suzanne McCall Vice Pres: Ken Hodge Sec: Louise Lucero Treas: Fred Wilson Reporter: Larry Emmons AFFILIATED SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) INTERNATIONAL PIANO ARCHIVES NORTHWEST PLAYER PIANO ASSOCIATION President - Ken Double AT MARYLAND Everson Whittle, Secretary 1201 McDuffie St. #173 Performing Arts Library,University of Maryland 11 Smiths Road, Darcy Lever, Houston, TX 77019 2511 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Bolton BL3 2PP, Gt. Manchester, England Phone: 713-520-1911 College Park, MD 20742 Home Phone: 01204 529939 Email: [email protected] Phone: 301-405-9224 Business Phone: 01772 208003 Theatre Organ Editor - Jeff Weiler Fax: 301-314-7170 1845 South Michigan Avenue #1905 Email: [email protected] PIANOLA INSTITUTE Clair Cavanagh, Secretary Chicago, IL 60616 INTERNATIONAL VINTAGE PHONO & Phone: 312-842-7475 43 Great Percy St., London WC1X 9RA MECHANICAL MUSIC SOCIETY England Email: [email protected] C.G. Nijsen, Secretaire General ASSOCIATION ITALIANA MUSICA 19 Mackaylaan PLAYER PIANO GROUP MECCANICA 5631 NM Eindhoven, Netherlands Julian Dyer, Bulletin Editor Via Comte le Monticino No. 485 5 Richmond Rise, Wokingham, MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY OF GREAT Berkshire RG41 3XH, United Kingdom 47020 Cesena, Italy BRITAIN Phone: 39-547-346-046 Phone: 0118 977 1057 Alan Pratt, Editor Email: [email protected] AUSTRALIAN COLLECTORS OF P. O. Box 299 MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Waterbeach, Cambridge CB4 4PJ SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 19 Waipori Street England Division of Musical History St. Ives NSW 2075, Australia Washington, D.C. 20560 MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL NETHERLANDS PIANOLA ASSOC. Rosanna Harris, Editor SOCIETY FOR SELF-PLAYING Nederlandse Pianola Vereniging 5815 West 52nd Avenue MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Att. Jan van Hulzen, Member of the Board Denver, CO 80212 Gesellschaft für Selbstspielende Chopinrode 25 Phone: 303-431-9033 Fax: 303-431-6978 Musikinstrumente (GSM) E.V. 2717 BH Zoetermeer, Netherlands Email: [email protected] Ralf Smolne Email: [email protected] Emmastr. 56 FRIENDS OF SCOTT JOPLIN NETHERLANDS MECHANICAL D-45130 Essen, Germany 1217 St. Croix Ct. ORGAN SOCIETY - KDV Phone:**49-201-784927 Kirkwood, MO 63122-2326 A. T. Meijer Fax:**49-201-7266240 website: http//stlouis.missouri.org/fsjoplin Wilgenstraat 24 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] NL-4462 VS Goes, Netherlands 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Hello All Hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. Another year has passed, and how time flies. It seems like a short time ago when some were worried about the year 2000 millennium and what it might do to computers—big hype. Here we are in 2008 and my player piano does not know the difference. The rolls, book music, disks, cobs, and other mediums came through perfectly—absolutely timeless! Our hobby is very strong. Just look at our website www.amica.org and click on YouTube. Check out the short clips of automatic musical instruments—it is endless. It is also interesting to see the number of “hits” by people. My thanks to each and every one of you for supporting AMICA. The 2008 convention is right around the corner in beautiful Woodland Hills, California. Check it out on www.amica.org. A convention registration form is available. The Southern California Chapter has an exciting event lined up for all attendees. Conventions are the fun part of AMICA—visiting with old friends and meeting new ones. Please do attend.
John Motto-Ros [email protected]
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK
I am always amazed at my own knowledge of music that is derived from owning a reproducing piano. There is a virtually endless number of selections available for these instruments and building a fine library of music rolls is the beginning of that education. From buying reproducing rolls I have come to appreciate the various eras of piano music from Scarlatti to Grainger and the various genres of each period and composer. I have learned the piano music of Brahms, Grieg, Schumann, and Schubert, as well as the wonderful transcriptions of orchestral works of Wagner, Bizet, and Mendelssohn. These are so rarely heard anywhere today but so are the works of many great composers. Through the medium of the reproducing piano I have learned the beauty, power, and exuberance of Moszkowski, Scharwenka, Medtner, Scott, Granados, and other composers previously unfamiliar to me. How did I accomplish this? By buying rolls of music that I didn’t know but was excited to hear and appreciate for the first time. Is there any better method to learn new music than hear it on a piano in your home? I have always been perplexed by people who only buy rolls of “music they know.” What a loss! Make it a point to listen to some new music on your piano this week and bring it to life by not only actively listening (not as background music) but also by reading about the composition, the artist, and the composer. If we only buy rolls of “music we know” then the rolls of the popular music of the teens, twenties, and thirties, will disappear with the aging generation who knows, not only the music, but the words as well. Best regards, Mike Kukral Publisher
4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Mike, Dear Mike: Dear Mike, What a pleasure to receive the Bulletin I received my Bulletin today, for My compliments with the December yesterday. This is the first time in years December and January. Saddened to hear issue I just received. The Welte article that I have sat down and found so much about John Farrell. It got me thinking. saves me a lot of trouble with ordering interesting material to enjoy and learn Some time ago, when I had first the Patent sheets requested for one of my from. Cheers to you and your compadres. joined AMICA, a short time afterwards lectures. The Billings enclosure is a good And a special cheer for the article on they began offering a limited edition idea and we will try to make it visible on the Bechstein. I learned from it and found subscription series of a RED Welte our computer (with a little help from my a possible reason for a recent problem I conversion to Licensee rolls. I believe friends, the grandchildren, we expect with have had. John McCelland and Richard Tonnesen Christmas). One of my friends has a large class of were involved in that project, along with I have been posting small quantities of piano students. She thinks that having an AMICA. I subscribed, not even having a QRS and Keystone (Duo-Art) rolls for old guy as a guest artist will be an Welte piano! I knew that some day I had years, but was discouraged by the news inspiration to the parents of her students to have one! that U.S Mail has substantially raised and to her older students. Last year I I can’t help but wonder how many the shipment rates of the M-Bees. Even played a Mozart Fantasia. This year I would be interested in just such a series sending a book from the U.S. now costs a played an arrangement of a popular dance again? I can think of some great lot. tune of the Forties - Moonlight Cocktails. candidates! To name a few, that according Hope to hear from you. The piano is a recent Steinway – huge and to the Litsky catalogue, were never Best regards. black. I had a five minute practice time. recorded (on the American systems) other C.G. Nijsen My first reaction to the piano was that the than on the RED Welte! Treble seemed in tune, but very harsh P.S. A pity the AMICA party missed out and shrill. I winced at the sound. Then I Emperor Concerto of Beethoven 3926, visiting our Pianola House Museum this realized I was having trouble hearing the 2927A, 3927 summer. I thought it would be a nice bass. When I stopped playing, my fingers Hammerklavier Sonata of Beethoven change from all the noisy dance organs. were tired. I knew I wasn’t used to the 3292-3293-3294 hard action. When I played for the Annes de Pelerniage, First Year, #1 of audience, I felt I was playing notes. The Liszt #515 quiet romantic mood was not there. Christmas Songs (Weihachtsbaum) of My daily “workout” piano is a Liszt #3656-3658 Viennese Grand built in the 1880’s. It has Hi Mike, its original light action with its 120 year I’m sure everyone would have some Thanks for another great issue filled old leather hammers. The bass is mellow suggestions for the RED to Licensee with interesting and useful info and and magnificent and a firm foundation for format. anecdotes. music. The center octaves have probably I do wonder if these rolls would be I’d like to especially thank Ginny and gotten thinner over the years. But they do available to borrow from some collector Bob Billings for making their excellent not hurt the ears. And the action is so for this purpose? I wonder if any have rollography project available to all light, no wonder I am spoiled. them? AMICA members. This wonderful work Your article on the Bechstein made it of excellent research will be of value to clear to me that there are more purposeful Merry Christmas, and a most both scholars and collectors for years to differences in pianos for different markets Happy New Year. come. I think they deserve great kudos than I had known. Of course, all markets Bill Dean for their generosity. drive their products. Thanks for this article Sincerely, and hopefully more like it. Marc J. Sachnoff If I am asked again, I will choose my music more wisely. Again thanks, Dave Payne
5 DUO-ART CROSSWORD PUZZLE
DOWN 1. Last name of composer of roll # 0804 'Just a Gigolo' 24. First name of pianist Fuleihan - see roll # 6305 2. Last name of composer / pianist on roll # 713436 'Serenade in the Desert' 'Dolly Dimples' 25. Song title on roll # 713326 by Pauline Alpert '______3. Initials of pianist Harvey Maddon that you know' 4. Last name of Australian pianist who only made one 30. First name of 45 across Duo-Art roll # 5663 32. Initials of composer Nathaniel Shilkret 5. Initials of pianist Lillian Jay 34. Last name of British born pianist who played the classical 6. Roll # 1710 played by Muriel Pollock ' ______and then' piece used on test roll Valse in Eb (Durand). 7. Initials of pianist Enrique Soro Or see roll # 6932 9. Last name of Polish born pianist who settled in Australia 36. Initials of pianist Louis Elbel and died there in 1948. See # 6666 39. Initials of composer Charles Marshall 12. Surname of 'Showboat' composer 41. Last name of Hungarian pianist who recorded roll # 5651 13. American piano brand fitted with the Duo-Art system, 43. Take the three initials of this Polish born pianist and established c.1905 statesman and reverse them 16. Initials of composer Harold Arlen Created and Sent in by Steve Rattle, Melbourne, Australia 18. Early type of valve plate 1234567 20. Roll # 0899 by Jerome Kern ' ______belong together' 89 21. This reptile didn't do it, but it sure looks like they did. 10 11
Clue 'perforation' 12 13 23. Type of pnuematic found on your Duo-Art 14 15 16
17
ACROSS 18 19 1. Valve usually attached to expression box for setting 20 21 22 23 high intensities 24 25 26 4. Last name of Scottish born pianist and editor with 27 28 Aeolian until the end of production. See roll # 01384 29 30 31 32
8. First name of Polish born 33 34 35 36 37 pianist knicknamed 'Superman' by his peers. 38 39 40 41 See roll # 6139 10. See roll # 103496 - first two 42 43 44 parts of roll title ' ______Supieras' 11. Herman Hupfeld song later 45 46 used in the film 'Cassablanca' 31. The test roll says, Theme should be set _____ degree louder See roll # 74416 ' __ time goes by' than accompaniment 14. Surname of female pianist who was once married to 33. Initials of pianist Sophie Bostelmann d'Albert and died in 1917. See roll # 5609 35. Title of roll # 01226 by Cliff Norman ' ____ Faithful' 15. Treble expression is known by this five letter title 37. This pair are seen but 'not heard' on your tracker bar. 17. Roll # 19205 by Herbert Clair - 'No No ____' They work well but don't listen. 18. Pianist Carolyn ____Baldwin. See roll # 6166 38. Initials of a popular Ampico pianist who stayed after the 19. Part of title from roll # 10025 " ___ forever blowing merger and heard on 1930's rolls. See roll # 01057 bubbles' 40. American piano brand fitted with the Duo-Art system, 20. Weber grands at 5' 8" size have this model prefix established 1852 22. First name of Australian born female pianist. 42. Creates the vaccum you need to bring your Duo-Art to life See roll # 6860 44. Composer George's lyricist brother 24. Parent company who manufactured the Duo-Art 45. Melbourne born pianist / composer who started recording 26. Roll # 01385 played by Frank Milne - '___ I forget you' Duo-Art rolls in 1915 with # 5661 27. Steinway grands at 6' 5" have this model prefix 46. Early Duo-Art grands had a themodist ______that 28. Type of electricity most Duo-Art's operate on (abbreviation) extended from the keyslip. 29. Roll # 01063 - It's a ____ to tell a lie ANSWER KEY to the Duo-Art Crossword Puzzle on page 55. 6 AMICA PIPE ORGAN MEETING Tentative Schedule for AMICA Summer Pipe Organ Meeting FRIDAY AFTERNOON JUNE 20, 2008, OPEN HOUSE 1) I will conduct a roll repair clinic at my shop for any one interested. Bring a roll or two needing repair. 2) The young lady that makes my piano roll box labels will be here and you will have the opportunity to have labels made for your roll boxes. Bring the boxes for which you wish labels made. We will come up with a reasonable figure per set of labels. She is a high school senior now and this is for her college fund. I will donate all supplies. 3) During Friday afternoon Amica members who have chosen to come early are welcome to play any of several instruments including two reproducing grands, a roll playing pipe organ and to choose from several thousand rolls. You are on your own for food but I will attempt to have some ice tea and coffee. 4) Back issues of the bulletin will be available so that you may fill in any gaps that might exist in your collection.
SATURDAY MORNING 21 JUNE, 2008 1) More open house and an opportunity to view and play the instruments and renew old acquaintances. 2) Saturday noon a light lunch will be served, sliced meats, veggies etc. 3) Saturday afternoon a visit to Bob Taylor’s house to view and hear his mighty Aeolian Pipe Organ. Exact times have not been decided but approximately 2-5 PM. There is a lot more at Bob’s house than the pipe organ. Bob please get back to me on the times you would like us there. This is a visit not to be missed. 4) Saturday evening a dinner at a local establishment, location yet to be decided. 5) Yousuf Wilson has graciously consented to present his magic lantern show as part of the program following the meal. Other items are being considered and any suggestions would be appreciated.
SUNDAY MORNING 22 JUNE, 2008 1) Breakfast and business meeting, approx. 9AM at a Columbia restaurant location to be decided.
Again any and all suggestions will be appreciated. Tom Hutchinson A LFRED REISS REMINISCENCES From the PPG Bulletin, written in April 1964. “Bits and pieces during the Good Old PIANOLA days with the Choralion-Aeolian Co., Berlin–and the PPG-Now.” Reprinted from Player Piano Group Bulletin 185, Dec., 2007, pgs 25-28
When I started my career at the then in; I stopped playing but he shouted ‘carry a terrific distance (longer than London- Choralion Company, Berlin, I spent the on!’ and so I played again and he listened. Inverness), I had better get the music rolls first week in their small ‘Concert Hall’, I remember playing Aubade Pritaniere by for the concert and play them right now. working and practicing on the 65 note Lacombe, then most popular, light, ‘nice’ He was somewhat worried about the Cabinet-Vorsetz Pianola, using my music, especially recommended to me as accompaniments (so was I) as there would feet and clumsily grabbing the polished suitable ‘to get the hang of it’. be no time for a rehearsal at all; the soloist surface of the cabinet instead of resting After having finished it, Mr. Hessin artists arrive only just before the recital, my hands near the levers – I was afraid to remarked he had just come in to be able to none of them living at Beuthen. The use them. I remember the elderly motherly listen and give me some hints. However, programme did not worry me, but the charlady reprimanding me with the words he was pleased to be able to say it was accompaniments without any rehearsal “Mr. Hessin wouldn’t like to see that; you not necessary and he would like me to did. These were: Faust Fantasie must use the levers!” So I practiced day play my first Pianola-recitals at Beuthen, (Gounod/Winiawski), a violin solo to be after day, and after a week or so Mr. Kattowitz, Zabrze and Gleiwitz in played by a Polish professor; then Sonata Hessin, the Director (a Canadian) called Upper Silesia (now Polish), and as it was Op. 36 Adagio (Grieg), a cello solo;
7 continued. . .
Hungarian Rhapsody Op 43 (M. Hauser), enquiries’ she replied smilingly. Then it Beethoven on them! This gentleman violin solo; ‘Asra’ (Anton Rubinstein), dawned on me that ‘some’ sounded off- was none other than Mr. Dobson, the sung by a concert singer; another song hand. However, to find a ‘nice’ way out I proprietor (or one of them) of the (Schumann) ‘Ich Grollenicht’, and finally added ‘Well, I mean that some enquiries chocolate firm of Barker & Dobson in Mendelssohn’s Trio Op 66, 3rd and 4th are more than one!’; and she accepted it in the North of England. He bought the part. This much too long programme was good humour. instruments in Germany as they were arranged by the Pianola agent Mr. Ciplic, In Magdeburg, a lady singer was about cheaper than in England (at least that’s advertised and printed, so I had to accept to sing Grieg’s ‘Ich liebe Dich’ during a what he said but I can’t think why). This it. I rushed home, packed my things and recital, when I discovered I had forgotten reminds me of another Pianola owner who caught the train. I was determined to the accompaniment roll. So I closed the bought it ‘only to play Beethoven’s chance it, being ambitious to make my top door, put in the treadles, improvised a “Sonata Appassionata”, especially the first first series of Pianola Concerts a success. few chords and accompanied her by hand bars of the first movement as they stirred It was a tremendous success-the critics, ‘just to prove that it could be used as a up his emotions! Bismark said ‘When I still in my scrapbook, prove it so. There normal piano as well’. hear Beethoven’s Sonata Appassionata I was a flattering letter from Messrs. To me, Chopin’s 2nd Piano Concerto is feel heroic’. What a pity he ever heard it. Steinway & Sons referring to a Pianola- always the ‘Chopin/Sherlock Holmes Once I was asked by an over- Steinway Matinee at the Hotel Atlantic, concerto’. The ‘Berliner Theatre’ with enthusiastic Pianola owner whether I was Hamburg. Director Bonn and his screaming wife the inventor. Evasively I replied that After my departure from Berlin, (whom he considered ‘a great actress’) some of my ideas had been utilized. another salesman was engaged. It was were not popular among the Berliners. At Frankfurt/Main, a little dog spoiled difficult to find the right musical people They – the Bonns – had mostly an empty my chances of selling a Pianola Piano for artistic Pianola demonstration. This theatre until he wrote a play after Conan that was sent ‘on approval’. As soon as man practiced for three or four weeks and Doyle’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’. It was a great Ms. P_ started playing, her little dog finally – after a most unsatisfactory result success and he always had a full house whined, squeaked and barked; only when – he was told that he would never reach since the German Crown-Prince attended she stopped playing was the little dog the desired and essential musical ability every evening for at least three weeks or quiet. Result? The dog won and the to play the Pianola satisfactorily to even more. I remember the day when Pianola Piano was returned unsold. demonstrate it and sell it. This man, Director Bonn called at our showrooms I had a funny experience in Zurich. The however, was difficult. He remarked and he, a 65 note Cabinet Pianola and Aeolian Co.’s agents Messrs. Hug, asked bluntly that he was told (and the public is myself were driven to his theatre where a me one day to call after the Pianola recital told) that ‘anyone can play the Pianola’, rehearsal had been arranged. The Pianola on one of their important customers, as and consequently he refused to be was fitted to an upright piano behind one he would appreciate it very much. So for ‘sacked’, otherwise he would publish his of the stage settings. There was a dinner me ‘veni, vidi, vici’. He was a very nice experience and so on – for obvious party going on and I, playing the second man with three grand pianos – a Steinway reasons he remained with the company Chopin Piano concerto on the Pianola Pianola grand, a Bechstein grand and a and they installed him as manager of the had to stop playing at a certain signal. Bluthner grand. The window was wide music roll lending library. After a lengthy Then there was a terrific commotion – a open, so was the Bluthner grand piano. period he left, and that was that. diamond necklace a lady wore was found Through the window fluttered four Now, something funny. One of my to be missing. For many weeks at night I pigeons into the open Bluthner grand. Pianola lady pupils confessed that before had to carry out this ‘artistic’ job, and one ‘They just love resting inside and so far she bought it, she often wondered why I of the leading ladies remarked to me how they haven’t done any harm’ Mr. I_ said, slipped the rubber-band of the music roll pleased she was that Director Bonn at last ‘but their nests are somewhere else’. (when I took it out of the box) around my had a successful play and a full theatre (Thanks goodness!) fingers during a recital; she always and how grateful he was to the Crown The Aeolian Co. sent me to Posen (then thought it was necessary in order to play Prince. Soon afterwards the Kaiser and German) to represent them at the the Pianola! Crown Prince were swept away by the ‘East-German Exhibition’ where their My experience with the Danish revolution; Director Bonn showed his agent Mr. Neumann, the leading Ambassador’s wife Countess Moltke in gratitude by cynical, nasty remarks about Piano dealer in the province, exhibited Berlin, mentioned at one of our Player him. Steinway, Bechstein, Bluthner, etc., and Piano Group meetings, is worth repeating. One day an elderly gentleman, more the Pianola. Mr. Neumann had engaged The Danes do not like the Germans and as than slightly deaf, called at the Aeolian two well-known Concert-Pianists. They the Aeolian Co. was an American Firm, Co. Berlin. As he could not speak German were excellent, and the one (whose name she always spoke English. I, being proud it was easy for me to find the right contact I have forgotten) played Guieraud’s to speak English and ‘to show off’, chose from the salesman’s point of view, and I ‘Allegro de Concert’. At my suggestions to serve her. She complained that certain sold him two Steck grand Pianola Pianos. it was added in the Pianola music roll Beethoven rolls she ordered repeatedly Why two? At certain intervals he bought catalogue. When there were musical were not sent, I assured her that ‘I’ll Pianola instruments to give to friends listeners among the visitors, we three make some enquiries’. ‘You will make on condition they played nothing but demonstrated the instruments according 8 continued. . . to our own arrangements. Naturally the put up with it) – a bed was put up on the In the hey-day of the Pianola as two pianists were extremely interested in stage! It was rather uncanny to stare into experienced by me in Germany, 98% of the Pianola, and during the quiet morning the pitch-dark hall – just one small electric the Pianola owners played classical and hours they often methodically practiced bulb on the stage and no key, no door, no contemporary serious music. Some had a the art of pianola-playing for weeks and lock – at least I could not find anything in harmless musical taste and played ‘nice’ weeks. However, strange to say, without that pitch-dark hall. Suddenly I heard a drawing-room pieces; one of my the slightest satisfactory result! It was an noise underneath the grand piano. There pianola pupils played Bendel’s interesting, but in a way disappointing, was a trap-door (I naturally had not ‘Dornroschen’, a piece in my view of experiment which proved that ‘to play noticed it before) and out crept the sickening sentimentality, but most the Pianola musically and artistically is, chambermaid! Seeing how shocked suitable to catch the melody with an art in itself.’ I wonder, and perhaps to a I looked she said ‘Oh, I am so sorry Sir, the accentuating lever as the melody certain extent it may well be justified I only wanted to make sure you perforations ran over the tracker-bar. or understandable if this is not the are comfortable!’ We were (me and the Count Reichenbach did it very nicely, I reason many people have turned to the piano!). remember. electromotor-blown Reproducing Piano Now finally of the sound and TV because they have felt they lacked that POSTSCRIPT broadcasts; there is not much I can say, so musical sense which is so essential to play Sometimes – attending a Player Piano much have the times changed. Any the Pianola musically. Group meeting – listening to the Electric- listener or viewer of the present One day, during Mr. Neumann’s blown Duo-Art Piano and its more or less generation who had never seen or heard a absence, his little son (7 years old) was interesting and authentic recordings of Pianola or Duo-Art instrument properly put by the manager at a Steinway Welte famous pianists, I wonder if many of played must have been quite unable grand. The boy acted and gesticulated today’s ‘Duo-Art’ enthusiasts have ever to understand the true meaning or during a Paderewski music roll sat down to a foot-blown Pianola and possibilities of these instruments and the performance imitating a pianist. The enjoyed the satisfaction of producing the perforated music roll. The jazzy ‘musical’ Polish peasant women in their head- music they want, putting in their own demonstrations and fading-out parts of scarves stared wild-eyed at this wonder- interpretation and feeling. Interpretation is Chopin and Schumann spoiled everything child. Suddenly Mr. Neumann, the boy’s as much a part of the creative process as – at least, I think so. father appeared, and snatching the boy the actual composition. This cannot really I conclude my reflections with away from the instrument, screamed ‘My be done on a Duo-Art instrument – one Alexander Moszkowski’s remark: ‘A boy is no monkey!’ (I was reminded of merely listens. I once read ‘A sausage great Pianist must be born with his this incident when I saw Alan Whicker in without mustard is a mere sausage’ – only musical gift – because – ‘If one is not a similar part on the TV screen recently – half a meal; a Duo-Art Piano without a born one cannot play the piano!’. Instead and the Duo-Art ‘Pianola’ played on. I foot-blown action is just a Reproducing of Pianist one could put ‘Pianolist’ and shall refer to this again later). Piano. True by manipulation of the instead of piano – Pianola. Alexander I experienced an adventurous night hand-lever(s) some variation from the Moszkowski, a famous German writer before a Pianola recital once in a small original pianist’s interpretation can be (with plenty of esprit) of German-Jewish- German provincial town. The only hall in made, but the full personal feeling, the Polish descent was the brother of the the town was in a part of the one and only soul, the touch, cannot be fully influenced; famous composer Maurice Moszkowski, hotel. Unfortunately they forgot to reserve only when the instrument is foot-blown whose music is a great favourite of mine. a room for me and the hotel was full. For- is the pianolist able to personify himself Alfred Reiss tunately a way out was found (and I had to with the music.
EET MR. CLEAN MBOY HAS UNUSUAL PASSION FOR VACUUMS From Your Community Voice, Oct. 2007 Story by Raad Alawan
Most 12 year-olds spend their time playing football or staring It’s easy to ask. You would too if at a computer screen. Not Kyle Krichbaum. you saw Kyle’s legion of vacuum “Let’s go downstairs,” said Kyle as he led me down the steps cleaners. to his basement. “Look over there,” he said. I lurch forward: Anyway, I noticed the sweepers lined up “Wowwww,” by which I mean why, why, why, why? like ducks to water. 9 continued. . .
“Which is your favorite?” I asked. classroom and principal’s office,” Kyle Kyle wants to invent the first soundless “New or vintage?” Kyle replied. said. vacuum. Let’s hope he does. For the “Both,” I said. Today, Kyle has 170 vacuums. He uses sake of sleeping babies everywhere. “Brand or particular vacuum cleaner?” almost all of them, vacuuming his own Kyle replied back. house up to three times a day. At that point I made the facial “These are my favorite vacuums over expression of a man waving a white flag. here, the Kenmores,” Kyle points out. “Both,” I said. “This is the 1938 set. They made the “My favorite new kind of vacuum is a matching operating canister. They’re both Riccar or Simplicity,” Kyle said as if called Magic Cord.” describing a piece of classical art by Kyle’s vacuums fill almost every Michelangelo. “My favorite old vacuum room in his house, including his own cleaner is a Singer or Kenmore. Singer (see picture below). because they’re so beautiful and extremely “My bed’s up here,” Kyle says, rare when you find one.” carefully stepping over one of the first Beautiful? Vacuum cleaners? Yes. You Oreck vacuums from 1964. “This is see, Kyle really loves vacuum cleaners. So where I keep my more prized stuff, like much so, that he vacuums up to three the two on the pedestal over there. This times a day. Kirby’s my favorite because it’s my “Mom loves it,” Kyle says. grandmother’s, and this one because it’s “I haven’t vacuumed in seven years,” so rare, and this one because it’s got the says Kyle’s mom, MaryLynn. “I don’t original bag from 1942. I’ve got the box, know what I’m going to do when he goes the manual, the unused tools, the floor to college.” buffer, everything. I have my little Kirby Laugh all you want, but when he pulls corner with all the books and posters.” out his 1908 Hoover (bottom left) worth And he’s got some nice pocketchange $10,000, it might shut you up. repairing his neighbors’ vacuums “It still runs perfect,” he said, squatting and cleaning their carpets. Of course, down and grinning. “The only one of its everything he makes goes into buying kind left. I will never sell this thing, I love more vacuums. it so much. I will take this thing to the So when is enough enough? grave.” “When I get my own house, my dad You’ll probably start laughing again, says it’s out of here,” Kyle says. “He says though, when his parents explain their I’m going to take all (vacuums), but one. I son’s – uh – passion. They say the fire’s have to leave them one.” been burning in Kyle since before he could say “Oreck”. “When he was six months old, he sat in his baby seat,” MaryLynn said. “I would be vacuuming, and I noticed his eyes focused on the vacuum. By the time he was a year old, he was already trying to push it.” Kyle got his first vacuum when he was 1, dressed up as a Dirt Devil for Halloween at 2 (top right), and, as he recalls, was vacuuming during school recess at 6. “I would skip lunch recess and stay in and vacuum the
About a hundred years ago, a janitor took a tin soap box, a fan, a pillow case and a broom handle and invented what he called the “suction sweeper”. The vacuum cleaner was born. Which gives 12 year-old Kyle Krichbaum his story.
10 A POINTY-HEADED PIANO By David Colman, From The New York Times, July 8, 2007 Submitted by Bill Dean
Look! Up inside your skull! direction. This eliminates the It’s a clock! It’s a car! It’s a need to play the entirely different moving picture camera-and- configuration that switching to projector-in-one! It’s . . . never another key usually requires. mind. “For years I thought how great In the nearly four centuries it would be if there was a since Descartes wrested authority transposable piano,” he said, over the mind and body from the “just like there’s the capo on a religious realm, the brain has guitar that allows you to do the been compared to any number of same thing.” fantastic machines to shed light The piano, made in 1895 by on this elusive organ. the Heintzman & Company, was When Dr. Norman Doidge set a favorite of Irving Berlin. One out to write his new book, “The more happy surprise: at $2,000, it Brain That Changes Itself” was affordable. “I didn’t have (Viking), chronicling the work of time to perfect things in every a handful of scientists, doctors key, and this piano allowed me to and patients who are challenging cheat,” he said. the mechanical model of Mechanical as it is, the piano the brain in favor of a more makes a neat illustration of how organic, renewable and malleable the brain can adapt when faced paradigm called neuroplasticity, with more than time constraints. he fought the urge to stoop to Presented with a very wrong key metaphor to explain himself. No – brain damage from a stroke, a protean chameleons, regenerating Perfect Pitch Ð Dr. Norman Doidge shares a home in Toronto learning disability or emotional phoenixes or springy birch with a rare transposable Heintzman piano. trauma – the brain, as Dr. saplings. Doidge’s book shows, has a But Dr. Doidge, who lives in Toronto, “The first thing I thought was how remarkable ability to transpose to a new does suggest one image: a hill of new- beautiful it was,” he recalled. “Then, when one; that is, to shift a variety of functions fallen snow. There are several paths down I discovered what it was, I was in awe.” to a healthier mode or node or both. the hill that a skier may take. But once What it was was a transposable piano: “We think of these things as fixed, or tracks have been made, odds are that the with a flick of a lever, its keyboard slides hard-wired,” he said, “but they’re not.” next time you go down, you’ll use the left or right, two or three keys in either Dr. Doidge’s brain may have adapted to same ones. Before you know it, you’re a transposable keyboard, but the ability to thinking like Vail. adapt, to lay down new tracks, is not the Luckily for this mental resort, even same as having an endless facility to do Vail melts and makes way for new trails – so. After all, the goal of the adaptive brain recreation and re-creation all in one. is to create a structure that facilitates As it happens, Dr. Doidge has repetitive actions and thoughts. He would something, a mechanical something, that have a hard time learning all the different could be pressed into brain-metaphor fingering to play even a familiar song in service. Not much for skiing, he has long another key. “I would really have to travel tinkered with poetry and music, and he with it if I were going to play anywhere,” vividly remembers the day some 30 years he said. ago when, still a medical student, he Even so, the idea that we are not born, saw a piano at a Toronto music store that and fated to live, in a key that feels a little completely unmoored his ideas of what a off is very liberating. piano could be and do.
11 E RVIN NYIREGYHAZI’S LIFE Submitted by Numerous contributors
Ervin Nyiregyhazi, who will be 75 on Jan. 19, is called “one of the New Book . . . greatest pianists in history” by A recent review from the New Yorker Gregor Benko president of the magazine. Submitted by Roy Powlan International Piano Archives (IPA) and supervisor of the recording Lost Genius, by Kevin Bazzana sessions. (Carrroll and Graf; $28). Bazzana, The project has been made the author of an incisive study of possible by a $38,000 grant from the Glenn Gould, follows up with the Ford Foundation, which is being extraordinary story of a pianist much represented at the sessions by less famous but even more eccentric, Richard P. Kapp, a program officer Ervin Nyiregyhazi. Born in Budapest in the foundation’s Office of the Arts in 1903, he was a prodigy whose who was instrumental in getting the early life was a series of effortless grant for Nyiregyhazi and the IPA. triumphs. But, after he moved to The grant has been made to the IPA America, his career quickly specifically for the purposes of foundered, thanks to unscrupulous recording Nyiregyhazi and providing managers and his own immense for the pianist’s well-being, and the stubbornness. He slept rough in New first session took place yesterday York and, later, lived in seedy hotels afternoon at an undisclosed location in Los Angeles and San Francisco. in San Francisco. Nyiregyhazi, who called himself “a Nyiregyhazi moved to San fortissimo bastard” and claimed to Francisco, where he has lived before, be “addicted to Liszt, oral sex, from Los Angeles about two weeks and alcohol,” married ten times and ago. He lives in a Tenderloin hotel, had countless other conquests which is the way he is said to prefer (including, probably, Gloria it. In agreeing to take part in the Swanson). Rediscovered late in project, he stipulated that his lifestyle life, he made recordings that are not be altered, and has turned down the controversial: his interpretations were One of the Greats use of an apartment with a maid and a distinctive but his technique was shaky. Recluse genius of piano emerges piano at his disposal. He does not own a Bazzana painstakingly re-creates a life piano, hasn’t for many years, and never lived mostly in obscurity and judiciously in San Francisco By Michael Walsh practices. separates greatness from vainglory. The “You ask about my technical study,” he result is a balanced portrait that also From The San Francisco Examiner, responded to an interviewer in the pages Mon., Jan. 9, 1978 often reads like a parable about the of Musical America on Dec. 11, 1920. “I artistic temperament. Featuring an Honorary Member of AMICA Contributed by Bill Knorp never do any and I never did. As for Reprinted from AMICA Bulletin scales, all I ever had to do was learn the January/February 1978 fingering, then the rest was easy. How do I Publisher’s note: A couple of chapters memorize? I just play the piece through a are devoted to the rediscovery of this Musical history is being made in San couple of times, then I know the notes. Ampico roll artist by AMICA members in Francisco. A legendary, reclusive pianist, I do not forget.” the 1970s and include photos of former considered to be the last living exponent All but forgotten, Nyiregyhazi was AMICA Publisher Bill Knorp and others. of the great Romantic school of piano rediscovered by Terry McNeill, the West Several AMICA members contributed to playing, is recording in The City under the Coast representative of the IPA, in San writing this book. Ð Mike Kukral auspices of the International Piano Francisco in 1973. McNeill, who Archives and the Ford Foundation. is Benko’s colleague in a projected
12 continued. . . biography of the pianist Josef Hormann, in exchange for marriage and 25 percent was on his way to an interview, of his earnings. The last, to a woman tape recorder in hand, when he chanced named Elsie, ended with her death three upon a Nyiregyhazi recital at the years ago. He has said he loved Elsie Old First Church on May 6, 1973. He “more than I love Liszt.” recorded the recital on his portable Liszt, in fact, has been the greatest cassette machine. influence in his life. At the age of 12, Two of the pianist’s performances Nyiregyhazi was introduced to Liszt’s that day found their way onto his Sonata in B Minor, and it changed his only record album, “Nyiregyhazi Plays life. “It was the deepest, most profound Liszt,” released last summer on the experience I ever had,” he later recalled. Desmar label. Also on the record are “I became ill – I got a fever.” That fever performances taped by Benko under has never left him. studio conditions in Los Angeles in “He has an extreme emotional September 1974. identification with Liszt,” said Richard The record has created a furor in Kapp. “The discovery of Liszt meant for international critical journals and him that he was not alone in the world, newspapers. After hearing tapes of that here was another human being with Nyiregyhazi’s performances Harold C. Ervin Nyiregyhazi whose artistry is that the same enormous emotional scope.” Schonberg, senior music critic of the of a 19th Century master. “This grant doesn’t change his life, New York Times and a leading authority and it doesn’t make him rich,” Kapp said. on Romantic piano music, exclaimed: 1903, and was picking out tunes on a toy “It allows him to live like a human being, “I never dreamed I would hear a true piano two years later. At the age of 3 he and it establishes a trust fund for him 19th century pianist living in the 20th was found to have perfect pitch. At 4 he through the revenues from the records.” century.” was composing and studying the piano. The grant provides living expenses “To say that his tone is bigger than Nyiregyhazi was the subject of a six-year for Nyiregyhazi – he won’t accept a that of any pianist in my experience study, “The Psychology of a Musical performance fee. The tapes become the cannot convey the emotional impact of Prodigy,” by Dr. Geza Revesz, published property of the IPA, which must turn his sound alone,” another critic wrote, in 1924. The psychologist noted: over to him between 60 and 80 percent of reviewing the record. “His personality as a child bore a the revenues from the “sale, license or “This the most important project the marked resemblance to that of the infant other disposition” of the recordings. International Piano Archives has ever Mozart.” Yesterday, Nyiregyhazi recorded done,” Benko said. “It may be one of the But, as so many prodigies do, Liszt’s “Funerailles,” “Mephisto Waltz most important projects in the world Nyiregyhazi paid a high price for his No. 2” and “Nuages Gris.” He will of music in the last 25 years.” Benko, 33, talent. He is said to be made “catatonic” record a substantial amount of late Liszt, is considered one of the foremost by the presence of strangers when he is as well as works by Grieg, Schumann, authorities on pianists and pianism; the playing the piano, and can perform only Brahms, Chopin, Bizet, Rachmaninoff, IPA, he said, has 90 percent of all the by putting himself into a kind of trance. Debussy, Scriabin and Arnold piano recordings ever made, with more His unique personality – Benko calls him Schoenberg. than 17,000 tapes, records and piano rolls a “solitary genius” – forced the end of his Nyiregyhazi’s ability might have gone in its collection. piano career more than 50 years ago. He unrecognized, but for a combination “Ervin Nyiregyhazi’s piano playing was unable to cope with what he called of Terry McNeill’s luck, Benko’s has the power to change men’s hearts,” the “vicissitudes of life.” persistence in finding the pianist and the Benko said. “We are making musical His American debut, in Carnegie Hall philanthropy of the Ford Foundation. As history here. We have the same feeling an on Oct. 18, 1920, created a sensation, and Nyiregyhazi himself put it: archeologist would have discovering a two more recitals had to be added to “My love of music is unlimited, but living pharaoh.” accommodate the demand for tickets. my interest now in having a concert Secrecy has surrounded the entire But by 1925 he had become reduced to career is not very great. The attendant project from its inception, and the reason sleeping on the Times Square-Grand difficulties are too harsh. If it had been has to do with the extraordinary nature Central Station subway shuttle, the handed to me on a golden platter, I of the pianist himself. victim, as he saw it, of managers and probably would have gone ahead with it. A genius and musical prodigy, circumstances. Nine marriages followed I am too idealistic to prevail in the Nyiregyhazi learned to sing before he over the years, the first to a woman who grubby world of musical commerce.” could talk. He was born in Budapest in promised him food, clothing and shelter ERVIN NYIREGYHAZI’S LIFE
13 continued. . . Cover Personality Ervin Nyiregyhazi From AMICA Bulletin, November 1980 This article appeared in the Robert Broadwell Technic Method (Year unknown). It was contributed by Bill Knorp Reprinted from AMICA Bulletin November 1980
Probably the greatest living genius of the pianoforte, Ervin Nyiregyhazi has astounded all who have heard him. At the age of seventeen he played to five capacity houses in Carnegie Hall, New York. One of the world’s greatest pianists, he has completed several country-wide tours in America and is even more widely known and acclaimed in all of Europe. His playing can be expressed in no other terms except that of phenomenal. Such is the consensus of opinion of the country’s most widely known critics. The fact that he has never played except before crowded audiences suggests his popularity. Dear Mr. Broadwell: Concerning your Technic Method “Concentration and Impulse Control,” I am very pleased to say, after using it myself and studying it carefully, that its regular use will greatly reduce the vast amount of drudgery the student has always been faced with in acquiring technique. Ervin Nyiregyhazi autographed piano rolls It should be a part of every student’s training. for which he was the artist, at the 1980 Convention in Pasadena. ERVIN NYIREGYHAZI Picture by John Grant The Perils of Being a Child Prodigy By Barbara Jepson Note from Robert Taylor: When I read this I could not help but think of the times I met and heard EN. He was quite a “force of nature” even in his later days. I wonder if there are not some reports of AMICA meetings from the 1970s or 80s that could be reprinted with this article. (10/24/07)
When 17-year-old Hungarian pianist Ervin Nyiregyhazi arrived in the U.S. in 1920 for a concert tour that included his Carnegie Hall debut, photographers documented the occasion. In Europe, the slender prodigy had won acclaim for his keyboard prowess and youthful compositions, giving his first public performance at the age of 6, playing at Buckingham Palace at 8, and appearing as soloist with the Berlin Philharmonic at 12. By then, he had developed a taste for caviar and an unshakable sense of his own importance. Many children who manifest exceptional musical talent at an early age develop justly celebrated, sustained careers. But despite his initial success here and abroad, Nyiregyhazi (pronounced NYEER-edge-hah-zee) never achieved his full artistic potential, performing only sporadically after he moved to Los Angeles in 1928. And his life, unsparingly but empathetically recorded in “Lost Genius: The Curious and Tragic Story of an Extraordinary Musical Prodigy,” by Kevin Bazzana, illustrates other patterns all too commonly seen among those promoted as wunderkind. These include use of the child’s gifts to raise the family’s economic and social status, and emotional damage inflicted by a critical, control- ling parent – in this case, young Ervin’s mother. In “Lost Genius,” Mr. Bazzana provides an extensively researched, nuanced account of a spectacularly dysfunctional 14 continued. . . life. Nyiregyhazi married ten times, playing were out of step with the more than once for financial benefit. He burgeoning modernism of his times. cheated compulsively on his wives, Like Liszt and certain other Romantics, patronizing massage parlors or prostitutes Nyiregyhazi took considerable liberties and having casual sex with both genders. with the score, changing notes, doubling He consumed vast quantities of alcohol. octaves or indulging in sudden He was embarrassed about bodily tempo fluctuations. At his peak, functions. his technique was described as “Unusual gifts generally take a “uncannily gigantic”; his thunderous psychological toll on artists, even those fortissimos reportedly left traces of who develop as adults,” observes Mr. blood on the keys. Bazzana, author of an award-winning Not surprisingly, Nyiregyhazi biography of the legendary and eccentric failed to attract the support of a pianist Glenn Gould. “In prodigies, that potential mentor in 1936, when toll is compounded because the gifts composer Arnold Schoenberg arranged manifest themselves during the most an audition for him with German impressionable, formative years, mixed maestro Otto Klemperer. Klemperer, a with the normal stresses of growing up – stickler for adhering closely to and, in Nyiregyhazi’s case, the added the composer’s score, was not pressure of stage parents.” impressed by Nyiregyhazi’s In fact, “Musical Wonder Child,” part playing, particularly after the one of “Lost Genius,” might easily have pianist unwisely substituted been subtitled, “How Not to Raise a the more exciting finale to Prodigy.” The child of an amateur pianist Chopin’s B minor sonata for and a tenor in the chorus of the Royal the ending of that composer’s Hungarian Opera, Nyiregyhazi was B-flat minor sonata, transposing it to the (The author deconstructs each union, paraded around Europe performing for correct key on the spot. This may have the only time this otherwise gripping the social elite. Although his parents been self-sabotage, as Mr. Bazzana biography sags.) arranged quality musical training for suggests of a later incident, or a refusal to At his death in 1987 at the age of 84, their son, his mother banished his chess compromise his artistic preferences. But he left more than a thousand largely set for fear it would lure him away from the pianist also might have been seeking unknown works. “I wouldn’t make music. She urged him to play Chopin’s approval by showing off – a quality too many claims about Nyiregyhazi’s “Minute Waltz” in less than 60 seconds applauded in child prodigies but deplored compositions, nor do I dismiss them,” and insisted he perform in short pants once they grow up. says Mr. Bazzana, “but as a pianist, he to heighten his marketing appeal. Beginning in 1929, Nyiregyhazi belongs at the very top.” (He finally rebelled at the age of 17.) worked intermittently for United Artists This book, and a two-CD set of live Moreover, the pianist later claimed that and other studios, serving as score reader, recordings from 1972-1982 coming in his otherwise beloved father beat him hand double for actors in piano-playing December from the Music & Arts label because of his clumsiness. Like some of close-ups, or anonymous contributor (www.musicandarts.com) may reignite the musically gifted, he had difficulty to soundtracks. His only credited interest in Nyiregyhazi for a new executing simple tasks; he struggled to appearance was a brief portrayal of Liszt generation. (For brief sound clips and button his shirts or open sugar packets in a horror film, “The Soul of a Monster.” additional information on the pianist, throughout his life. He hung out with fellow Hungarian Bela visit www.fugue.us/Ervin/html). Mr. Bazzana, a Canadian with a Lugosi. He pursued a relationship with But in my view, he will likely remain doctorate in music history from the Gloria Swanson, who arranged two a specialized taste. By the time the University of California at Berkeley, concerts on his behalf, and he rubbed performances on the Music & Arts discs became interested in Nyiregyhazi while shoulders with other Hollywood took place, the pianist was well past his researching a possible book on piano celebrities. prime. His tempos can be laboriously mavericks. If in his personal life Nyire- By necessity and preference, slow, and one hears more technical gyhazi was, as the author puts it, “the Nyiregyhazi lived in the seamier sections precision in conservatory practice rooms. classic Wildean hero, lying in the gutter of Los Angeles and San Francisco, often Yet his sound is ravishing in intimate, but looking at the stars,” in his without a piano, even after a well- lyrical pieces by Chopin and Scriabin. music-making, he was a genuine publicized but short-lived comeback And his ability to shade a phrase or exponent of 19th-century Romanticism. during the 1970s. Amazingly, two of his communicate emotion to the listener is Unfortunately, Nyiregyhazi’s musical ex-wives continued to assist him too rarely heard today. We can only intuit tastes – he once played a transcription of financially, and his fifth wife allowed Nyiregyhazi’s greatness, and mourn all the entire “Symphonie Fantastique” by him to live with her for a time because that he lost. Berlioz at a private concert – and style of his sixth wife lacked a private bathroom. 15 AMICA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2008
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER OF AMICA, WHICH WAS THE SECOND AMICA CHAPTER FORMED, IS HAVING A BIRTHDAY PARTY, AND YOU’RE INVITED. Dates are July 1-6, 2008 • Woodland Hills, California (Our Chapter was formed July 3, 1972.)
Southern California has a wealth of to visit, with great instruments on display. recutting, and differences between things to do and see, and we highly These are included in the registration fee. systems, building and servicing monkey recommend you plan extra time if (San Sylmar limits their tours to people organs, and restoration of a pumper piano possible. over the age of 12, so no children on the for beginners, along with “So You Want to Our Convention Hotel will be the North tour, and no jeans or shorts. If Buy an Orchestrion.” Marriott in Warner Center, Woodland you can’t make this one due to those The Mart will be full of things you Hills. The rate will be $99 plus tax per restrictions, though, the Nix collection really need, and we are going to have one night, and the hotel is centered in a lovely will be open Sunday, July 6 by of the largest marts ever, not limited to area, with upscale shopping across the appointment.) piano rolls, but anything having to do with street, restaurants within walking distance, Wednesday and Thursday are the the hobby of automatic music, from music a park right behind the hotel, with lovely, collection tours, with events in the boxes to orchestrions. comfortable rooms. There’s an exercise Hotel in the evening. Wednesday night There will be local and International room, two pools, restaurants, and even a will feature a Welcome Pizza Dinner with entertainment, and the banquet will Starbucks in the lounge. Parking will be at entertainment. feature “The Titanic Jazz Band” with a reduced rate of $5.00 plus tax per day. On the Fourth of July we’ll travel to well-known pianist Robbie Rhodes for The direct Hotel number is 1-818- the Reagan Library, which is a fascinating your dancing and listening enjoyment. 887-4800, open 8-5 Monday through display, whether you are Republican, We have produced a table favor which Friday, Pacific time. The International Democrat, or whatever. It covers, of is sure to be a favorite, and will be a number is 1-800-228-9290, open course, Ronald Reagan’s careers, both collector’s item in years to come. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. in movies and politics, but it is also a Registrants will also receive a piano roll. Mention Automatic Instrument Collector’s microcosm of an era most of us remember We’ll have things going on all the time, Association (AMICA) for the group rate. well. There is a guided tour, and you can and we have some surprises planned for Make your reservations early. You need to also go through Air Force One if you you. be at the Hotel early, since the bus tours choose. Our hotel is only a block from the bus start early Wednesday morning, and you We’ll go to the Hollywood Bowl for which takes you to Universal City if you should plan on the Tuesday optional tour their extravaganza with patriotic music wish to spend time there. if possible. and fireworks, courtesy of the L.A. Sunday there will be many open houses Tuesday will be the Board meeting. Philharmonic, a stirring event for sure. within a 50-mile radius, and if we have Tuesday there will be an optional trip One word of caution, though, tickets may enough interest we will have a bus trip to the Gene Autry Museum, with displays be limited, so register early. Further to four newer collections which haven’t both of western movie history and a tickets will be on an “as available” basis. been seen before by most of you. They separate section with timely displays The hospitality room will feature will feature mechanical music, automata, having to do with the history of the West. pianos, nickelodeons, and more to make it arcade, and prize-winning classic sports We’ll also visit the Griffith Park Carousel, enjoyable to spend time and relax there. cars, all in fabulous settings. and Descanso Gardens, which is one of Workshops? We have many planned, If you have extra time, there are the prettiest places in Southern California. with such luminaries of the hobby as Dave museums, Broadway shows, Disneyland, Our party features a bus trip North Saul, Dave Ramey, Jr., Don Barr, Tim and historic places such as the William S. to San Sylmar to visit the Nethercutt Trager, Josh Rapier, Ron Perry and Mike Hart Ranch, the Gamble House, the Getty collection, lunch and a visit to the Nix Ames, Bill Klinger and Richard Ingram. Museum, the Museum of Science and collection, and a Southern trip to visit They will cover such topics as roll repair, Industry, the Peterson Auto Museum, the the Ames collection in Solana Beach, with materials and procedures for repairing magnificent Pantages Theater, the Mann a stop at either the Schack or Choate pneumatic machines, Midi and Interface, Chinese Theater with its’ hand and collection. These are all wonderful places Music of the 30’s and roll scanning and footprint display (formerly Grauman’s 16 continued. . .
Chinese), Disney’s El Capitan Theater mountains . . . Yosemite is one of the Chicago for the Lake Michigan chapter with organ concerts and movies, prettiest spots on the planet as far as meeting at the home of Jim and Sherry Hancock Park with the La Brea Tar Pits spectacular scenery. Lake Tahoe, Death Krughoff on the following Saturday. You where much of the supply of prehistoric Valley with Scotty’s Castle, and to the need to be a chapter member to do this, animals were discovered. There is south, San Diego has a huge zoo, well which costs only $10 per year. also downtown L.A. with the Orpheum worth seeing, the Maritime Museum, the For current updates, you can go to Theater, the Bradbury Building, the Wild Animal Park and more. YouTube, put in AMICA Convention, Music Center and the new Disney Are you a gambler? There are several 2008. There will be current video Concert Hall, Olivera Street and Union Indian Casinos with a full range of games updates. Station. of chance, the Morongo Casino being Leslie Hoffman is also setting up an Other attractions are the Old Town near San Bernardino. Others are located AMICA Convention 2008 webpage, Music Hall and the Santa Monica Pier. in areas like Solvang, where there is where you can ask questions or also get If you want to go to Downtown or also great antique shopping, including current updates. If you are interested in Hollywood, the bus is available at a Automatic Music. The Queen Mary is joining this Yahoo group, contact Leslie cheap rate, only 90 cents plus 10 cents to be found in Long Beach, as is the Hoffman at [email protected] for a transfer for seniors. Aquarium of the Pacific. We will also, of course, be posting on More time? Well, California has so For MBSI members, after the the AMICA webpage. Go to AMICA.org much to offer from the Gold Country, Convention, spend nearly a week in the Lake Shasta, the Redwoods, beaches, Southern California Area and then fly to PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (SUBJECT TO CHANGE IF NECESSARY)
MONDAY, JUNE 30 FRIDAY, JULY 4 Registration Breakfast on your own Open time with Entertainment in Hospitality Room TUESDAY, JULY 1 Reagan Library tour with Lunch in the shadow of Air Force One Registration all Day Dinner on your own International Board Meeting Hollywood Bowl Extravaganza with Optional Bus Tour (8:30 a.m.) Open to all Registrants L.A. Philharmonic & Fireworks Hospitality Room Open SATURDAY, JULY 5 WEDNESDAY, JULY 2 Breakfast on your own Breakfast on your own Workshops Bus Tours, North and South with Lunch Mart Welcome Pizza Dinner Banquet Evening Entertainment SUNDAY, JULY 6 THURSDAY, JULY 3 Farewell Breakfast and Business Meeting Breakfast on your own Optional Bus Tour of Collections Bus Tours, North and South with Lunch Open Houses (These tours will be rotated, everyone going on both, included with registration.) Dinner on your own Pumper Contest
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and more. ABOUT THE The ground floor of the main museum is known as the “Grand Salon”, and EVENTS grand is the right word. It is a beautiful room, if something of this size and scope Tuesday, July 1 can be called a room, full of the crown Board meeting starting in the morning jewels of the Automobile collection. for Board members. The collection consists of some 200 Registration opened all day, and American and European automobiles Hospitality Room open most of the day from 1898 to 1982, all in perfect into the evening. condition and drivable. As you can You need to arrive today or sooner, as imagine, prizes from all the major auto the tours on Wednesday start early. shows are in abundance. The first stop on Tuesday is Descanso The fourth floor, “Cloud 99”, houses Gardens, voted “The Most Romantic league baseball owner. the fine array of mechanical music, from Place in Southern California”. The museum is a fascinating place, small musical watches and lovely music Manchester Boddy, publisher of the with displays having to do with Western boxes to huge orchestrions, reproducing Los Angeles Daily News purchased 160 movies, television, and all the cowboy pianos, nickelodeons, and the grand acres of undeveloped land in 1937. (and cowgirl) things we grew up with, as theater organ. This instrument has four He cleared the land and built an elegant well as the history and lore of the Old manuals and over 5000 pipes. two-story mansion of 22 rooms. This West. One of the latest acquisitions is mansion overlooks 25 acres of live oak Their rotating displays have been the 1912 Pullman Railcar and 1937 forest and a camellia garden you won’t really interesting. At this time we don’t Canadian Pacific Hudson locomotive. find anywhere else, with tens of know what the display will be in July, but This is interesting to go through, as it is thousands of plants of all varieties. He you can bet it will be worth seeing. outfitted just as it would have been when bought an additional 440 acres north of There is often entertainment going on, it was in service. the original property, and mountain too, in the various parts of the museum. The other collection on the North tour springs supply fresh spring water for You will also visit the Griffith Park is the Nix collection. It is housed in the the gardens. Carousel. This lovely Merry-Go-Round “musik haus” out back, with other areas The gardens also include a lovely rose was built in 1928 by the Spillman for music boxes and street organs. garden, a bird preserve, a lilac garden, Engineering Company, it was brought to Frank started collecting music boxes and areas which are kept full of the Griffith Park in 1937. in 1983, and what a time it has been since flowers that are blooming in that The Merry-Go-Round features 68 then. particular season. horses, each one a jumper. Each horse is The Nix collection seemed to take You can tour the Boddy Mansion and finely carved with jewel-encrusted on a life of its own, and includes get a sense of what a beautiful home the bridles, detailed draped blankets and reproducing pianos, automata, clocks, a Boddys built, really elegant, especially decorated with sunflowers and lion’s Weber Unika, a Weber Styria, a Hupfeld for the time period when it was built. heads. A Stinson 175 Military Band C131, a Link, an Imhof-Mukel, and a few We had several band organ rallies Organ, reputed to be the largest band street organs. There are also monkey here, and it is truly a wonderful place. organ accompanying a carousel on the organs and other “goodies”. Lunch will be on your own at West Coast, plays over 1500 selections. In another room are the street organs, Descanso. This carousel has entertained including a 1905 Ruth 35-A, a Carl Frei The tour will then take you to the generations of Californians over the Dutch Street organ and a Limonaire. Gene Autry Museum, which opened in years, including many AMICAns. Lunch will be at the Nix home. 1988. It was co-founded by Gene and Back at the Hotel after dinner on your The South tour is a long bus ride, but Jackie Autry to realize his dream of a own the Hospitality Room will be open, oh, so worth it. You will leave early in museum which would exhibit the with special entertainment and fun. the morning with a stop at either the heritage of the West and show how it Ralph and Gloria Schack collection or influenced America and the world. Wednesday, July 2 the Mike and Kathy Choate collection. Gene Autry was known as “the Official opening day, with tours Ralph and Gloria have a wonderful Singing Cowboy”, and his career starting at 8:00 a.m. collection, everything top of the line and spanned 60 years in the entertainment Wednesday and Thursdays tours are in perfect condition. Their lovely home industry. In 1940 the theater exhibitors collection tours, and what collections you is filled with such goodies as a Weber voted him the fourth largest box office will see! Otero, a Welte organ which is as attraction, behind only Mickey Rooney, The North tour includes the perennial beautiful to look at as it is to listen to, a Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy. He also favorite, San Sylmar, where you will see Mills Violano, a super Cremona J, some became a broadcast executive and major the Nethercutt collection of mechanical really fantastic music boxes and clocks, music, cars, furniture, radiator mascots
18 continued. . . and so much more, including three or Orchestrion”, describing the ins and four extraordinary monkey organs. Thursday, July 3 outs of European and American Actually, the whole collection is Thursdays tours are the same . . . you instruments. extraordinary. will go on the one you missed on ■ Bill Klinger will have a workshop on Mike and Kathy Choate have, also, a Wednesday. building and servicing monkey marvelous collection. This one includes Dinner will be on your own, then organs. American machines. He has one of the return for the pumper contest . . . see who ■ Ron Perry and Mike Ames will nicest Links you will ever see, a Coinola will go home with “Footsie” this year. cover Midi and interface. Midget, a Violano, a Seeburg style 8, ■ Don Barr, always a favorite, is Coinola X, Wurlitzer 105 and 146 band Friday, July 4 giving a workshop, subject still organs, and a piano which has been in Breakfast on your own, open time under consideration. Kathy’s family since the mid 1800’s that with entertainment in the Hospitality ■ We are also offering a pumper piano Mike had an electronic system added to, Room. repair and restoration workshop since no one in the family played. He has Buses will take you to the Reagan put on by Diane Detar and Wayne jukeboxes of all types, including a Library for a tour with lunch in the Johnston. (These pianos are Scopotone, to name a few of the many shadow of Air Force One. available very cheaply, many times items you will enjoy here. They have a The Library features tours taking you free for the taking, and provide a lovely home with custom tile work back to another era. The displays are great starting point for the novice to throughout, and are very gracious hosts. phenomenal, showing the eras of Rea- get a foot in the door.) You will eat lunch and enjoy movies gan’s movie career, his days as Governor ■ Leslie Hoffman will present a on the bus on the way further south to the of California and his time as President, program on repairing and Solana Beach site of Mike and Marilyn plus a tour of Air Force One. maintaining cob organs. Ames magnificent collection. There are displays of gifts he and ■ Liz Barnhart will have her cross Here you will see a huge, beautiful Nancy received from visiting dignitaries, stitch workshop, always a favorite Mortier organ fitted with Mike’s Midi gowns Nancy wore to State affairs, with the ladies. System, which allows a wide range of newspaper clippings, and much, much As you can see, some of these music, and this organ can play anything, more. It really is a fascinating place. workshops are for those who feel they from sweet waltzes to stirring marches. You will return to the Hotel, have can’t afford the larger instruments but You’ll also hear beautiful music coming dinner on your own, and again board the can afford one of the lower priced items from the recently restored Weber Solea, bus for a trip to the Hollywood Bowl and if they can repair it themselves. and you will want to just sit, listen and a stirring program of patriotic music by Saturday evening is the banquet, with dream to this one. the Los Angeles Philharmonic, capped entertainment suitable for dancing or just Other fine instruments include a off with a rousing fireworks display. listening and enjoying, by Dan Comins Steinway reproducing piano, harpsichord One note of caution: We are trying to “Titanic Jazz Band”, with Robbie Rhodes and Violano playing in tandem through obtain plenty of tickets, but they may be as pianist. his midi system. This is really fascinating limited, so PLEASE register early. Many of you know Robbie, either for to hear, and you won’t hear it anywhere his piano virtuosity – he plays at most of but at this collection. Saturday, July 5 the jazz festivals around California – or There is a Rainey BanjoOrchestra, This is the day for the Mart, which through his well-known and much appre- an Arburo dance organ, a large will be larger than usual by far. Anything ciated “Mechanical Music Digest” on the DeCap Dutch street organ, Wurlitzer pertaining to Mechanical Music is net, which features all kinds of articles Pianorchestra style 30, a Phonoliszt, welcome, and we urge you to bring the regarding instruments and the care of Model B, an several other great things you want to sell. them. instruments. Workshops, too, are on the agenda for The table favor will be presented For the scientists in the group, if today, and we have some wonderful ones. tonight, and the chapter is rightfully asked nicely Mike might demonstrate his Our workshops this year will cover a proud of this one. It has been in the Tesla coil straight out of Frankenstein’s large range of musical topics for novice works for about a year and a half and it’s laboratory. to advanced restorers, but especially going to be a favorite with collectors. A tower clock, a huge single-stroke focused on subjects for the beginning engine are also housed in this museum to collector/restorer. Sunday, July 6 end all museums, and as you look around ■ Josh Rapier will discuss the different Today starts off with the farewell you will find other interesting things. reproducer systems. breakfast and business meeting, When you get back to the Hotel there ■ Dave Saul will discuss his roll including a presentation for the next will be a “Welcome Dinner” with some scanning and recutting and music convention in 2009. special entertainment from Germany and of the 30’s. Following the breakfast there will our own back yard. ■ Tim Trager will present a program be many open houses with wonderful on “So You Want to Buy an instruments to see and enjoy within about
19 continued. . . a 50-mile radius. from the turn of the century to the of Classic American sports cars, and We are planning a bus tour of three 1970’s. This unique collection what a collection it is. There are collections (No Private Cars . . . Bus includes: fortune tellers, lung testers, several prize-winning cars on Tour Only) you probably haven’t seen boxing and strength machines, display. He has cars you may before, and we’re working on a fourth. gambling devices, mutoscopes and remember from your “childhood” . . . They will feature mechanical music, peep shows, shooting galleries, or maybe not. Do you remember the automata, arcade and prize-winning games of skill and chance and Muntz cars made by “Madman classic American sports cars, all in much, much more. Muntz”? . . . You can see a gorgeous fabulous settings. This is dependent on 2. Dana Bashor lives in a gated one at the Roths. Fred, his son, and filling a bus. community in a wonderful home. Deanne do almost all of the 1. Sandy Lechtick is a nationally He collects music boxes, animated restoration themselves, and you known collector of penny arcade pictures, automata, and his latest will be impressed. There is a band machines, electrified advertising addition is a truly super Welte organ, and a few other musical automatons and amusement park Organ, which suits the grandeur of items, including a juke box that is memorabilia. The 2,000 sq. ft. the home, and fills the house with really rare. arcade is an eclectic and unusual music. (He also has a dance floor.) display of coin-operated machines 3. Fred and Deanne Roth are collectors Lunch will be included.
Ð MART REGISTRATION Ð
NUMBER OF TABLES REQUIRED ______$15.00 EACH ______
EXTRA SPACE NEEDED FOR FREE-STANDING ITEMS______$10 PER 4 x 8 FT. SPACE
ELECTRICITY NEEDED? ______
WHO WILL BE WORKING THE SPACE? 1. ______2. ______3. ______
SIGNED ______
PHONE NUMBER ______
DATE ______
MART DISCLAIMER AMICA, BEING A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, CANNOT AND DOES NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER TO ANY ITEM OR OBJECT OFFERED FOR SALE OR DISPLAYED DURING THE COURSE OF THE ANNUAL AMICA CONVENTION. AMICA CARRIES NO INSURANCE FOR THIS PURPOSE AND SUGGESTS THAT MART PARTICIPANTS PROVIDE THEIR OWN COVERAGE. ALL PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE MART DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK AND AGREE TO HOLD AMICA, ITS MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AND THE HOTEL HARMLESS IF THERE IS A LOSS OR PERSONAL INJURY OF ANY KIND. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE FOREGOING DISCLAIMER AND ACCEPT ITS TERMS AS A CONDITION OF MY PARTICIPATION IN THE MART.
SIGNED______DATE ______
20 – REGISTRATION FORM – AMICA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION WOODLAND HILLS ¥ HOSTED BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER July 1-6, 2008 NAMES AS YOU WANT THEM ON YOUR NAME TAGS ______First Convention? Yes ____ No ______First Convention? Yes ____ No ____ Address______City______State______Zip Code ______Country______Phone______FAX______Email______(Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times) Names of pumper contest contestants ______
Registration - $355 X______= $ ______REGISTRATION INCLUDES: Tours of San Sylmar and the Nix collection Note: San Sylmar allows no one under 12, and no jeans or shorts. (The Nix collection will also be open on Sunday July 6th by appointment.) Tour of Ames collection and either the Schack collection or the Choate collection Indicate preference (first come, first served) Choate______Schack______International and local entertainment, a tour of the Reagan library, the Saturday night banquet featuring the Titanic Jazz Band for your dancing and listening enjoyment, table favor, pumper contest, mart, workshops, piano roll and more, plus the Fourth of July celebration at the Hollywood bowl. (please register early, as the Bowl may sell out.) Open Houses Sunday Banquet Meal Choices Beef __#______Chicken __#______Vegetarian __#______Additional banquet tickets (no table favor) - $55 X______= $ ______Optional all day tour on Tuesday - $45 X______= $ ______This tour takes you to the fascinating Gene Autry Museum, the Griffith Park Carousel and one of the most beautiful spots in Southern California, Descanso Gardens Sunday Home Tours by bus (if enough interest to fill a bus) - $45 X______= $ ______This all day tour will take you to three or four fairly new collections, which you probably have never seen before. MART Mart Tables - $15 X______= $ ______You will want to participate…not limited to piano Space Only - $10 X______= $______rolls, but open to any and all mechanical music items. Pumper Piano Contestant? Yes ______No ______TOTAL AMT. ______
Pay By Check Made Out To: AMICA SO. CAL. CHAPTER 2008 OR (Choose one) VISA #______MASTER CARD #______DISCOVER #______EXP. DATE______Security Code (on back of card).______(not on all cards) Billing address for credit card. (Only needed if different from your registration address.) Address: ______City/State/Country/Zip: ______Cardholder Name:______Signature: ______Send To: DIANE LLOYD, REGISTRAR 1201 EDGEVIEW DR. COWAN HEIGHTS, CA. 92705-2344 E-mail: [email protected] • Phone: (714) 838-1166
21 HADDEUS CAHILL’S T TELHARMONIUM
By Jay Williston - (illustrations from U.S. patents 580,035 and 1,213,804 courtesy of the U.S. Patent Office) Submitted by Andrew T. Ernst
The Idea restaurants, and even private homes. So, in In 1890’s, Thaddeus Cahill was a a large way, Cahill invented what we lawyer and an inventor living in know of today as “Muzak”. By 1896 he Washington DC. Before inventing the had his invention worked out and applied Telharmonium, he mostly invented for a patent. In 1898 he was granted, devices for Pianos and Typewriters. patent #580,035 for the “Art of and In 1893, after fooling around with his Apparatus for Generating and Distributing telephone, trying to broadcast music Music Electrically.” In his patent, Cahill through the phone lines, Cahill had the used the term “synthesizing.” This proves, idea for the Telharmonium. Before the some say, that the Telharmonium was 1920’s there was no way to amplify truly the world’s first Synthesizer. electrical signals. So in order to hear The Telharmonium had to create a loud sounds through the telephone, you had to signal. Therefore it had to create a large put the receiver up to your ear. Cahill amount of electricity. Cahill had observed knew that if he could generate a large that when an electric motor, or dynamo, enough of an electrical signal, and if he was used to create an alternating current stuck a cone on the telephone receiver (as opposed to a direct current) the output (much like a gramophone cone) he could could be heard through a telephone transmit music through the telephone receiver as a steady pitch. The volume that could be heard by an audience. of this signal depended on the size of He figured that if he could send music generator. A larger generator created through the telephone at the proper more electricity, and, therefore, more volume, he could set up a tidy sound. His idea was that if he had enough business providing music to hotels, generators of a sufficient size, one for each note in the scale, he could switch on and off their outputs (or combine them, even) to create music. The First Telharmonium Cahill’s began working on his instrument in 1898 and by 1901 he had his first model. It was a very simple version of his master plan, however, it weighed about 7 tons in all! The process was simple. The generators consisted of 35 long cylinders tone wheels, or rheotomes (although his patent called for 408! This was just a prototype). Around the circumference of the rheotome were raised bumps. When the cylinder rotated, a magnetic coil was held close to the bumps as they spun around. The closer the bumps were to the coil, the more electricity was generated. In between the bumps very little
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Dynamics could be created by moving the coils closer and further away from the rheotome. Cahill designed this feature into his keyboard, creating a touch sensitive keyboard. With this instrument, he was able to secure financing from Oscar T. Crosby, who then enlisted his friend, Frederick C. Todd as a business partner. Crosby and Todd then set about the task of getting more financial support for the Telharmonium. They demonstrated the Telharmonium at a fundraising dinner at the Maryland Club in Baltimore. The attendees to the event, mostly bankers and businessmen, were quite impressed as they heard Handel’s Largo emanate through a large cone attached to the telephone receiver. They were even more impressed that the sound was being broadcasted through the phone lines, electricity was generated. This from Cahill’s factory in Washington, alternating current of electricity is many miles away. what created the sounds. The The demonstration in Baltimore was a rheotome cylinder was divided into great success, Crosby was able to get many sections. Each section had a enough money to finance the building different amount of bumps around of the second and more elaborate its circumference, and therefore Telharmonium. In the summer of 1902, created different pitches. For instance, if the cylinder was rotating at 110 Hz, the section with only one bump would create a pitch of “A” two octaves below A (440 Hz). The section of the cylinder which contained two bumps would play A (220 Hz), and the section which contained four bumps would play A (440 Hz), eight bumps would play A (880 Hz), and so on. Seven of these sections created seven octaves of the same note on one rheotome cylinder. Each cylinder was geared to spin at a different frequency. 12 cylinders created the chromatic scale 7 octaves wide.
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Crosby formed the New England Electric Music Company and set Cahill up in a large rented workshop space at the Cabot Street Mill, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Cahill, along with his brothers George and Arthur, began working building the new and improved Telharmonium. The New York Electric Music Company and The Second Telharmonium (or Dynamophone) The first performances of this Telharmonium (or as Cahill called it the Dynamophone) were made from the Cabot Street Mill workshop and were transmitted to the Hotel Hamilton about a half-mile away. Later, in 1904, Cahill made a transmission from Holyoke to New Haven Connecticut. In 1905 Crosby established another corporation, this one in New York City (the New England Electric Music Company was established in New Jersey). He made a deal with the New York Telephone Company to lay special lines so that he could transmit the signals from the Telharmonium throughout the city. By 1906 the new Telharmonium was beginning to take shape. 50 people were now working in Holyoke to build this massive machine. Four years and $200,000 later, it was now 60 feet long, weighed almost 200 tons and incorporated over 2000 electric switches. The newer model featured 145 gear driven alternators (or dynamos). These provided more accurate intonation than the previous design and produced 36 notes per octave with frequencies between 40 - 4000 Hz. Also, the custom receivers were improved to eliminate some of the inconsistencies of the earlier models, which tended to “shout” some notes out more than others. In the summer of 1906 the Telharmonium was dismantled and loaded onto thirty railroad cars, and moved to New York City. It was assembled in the Broadway building at Broadway and 39th Street, in New York’s theater district, across the street from the Metropolitan Opera House and the Casino Theatre. The machinery, the dynamoes and switching system, were very noisy. They were installed in the basement, while the performance console was installed in the newly built Music Hall at street level. Not only could the
24 continued. . .
Sherry’s, the Casino Theatre (which was across the street), the Museum of Natural History on 81st Street, the Normandie Hotel and the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Hotel. They even had a few wealthy subscribers who had the music piped into their private homes. A series of public performances (eventually, 4 a day!) were also given on location, at what was now called Telharmonic Hall. The music was piped out into the streets for passers-by to hear. They secured glowing testimonials from celebrities who came to hear, including Walter Damrosch and Giacomo Puccini. The Telharmonium was even transmitted through the air using Lee De Forest’s new audion wireless transmitter. However the static and the interference from wireless telegraphs made the signal less than desirable. Not to mention, the Navy complained that their wireless transmissions were being interrupted by the sounds of Rossini Overtures. Crosby, meanwhile had secured a franchise to lay their own cables for the Telharmonium. This involved going as far as Albany, the state capital, to get a bill through the legislature permitting a New York State corporation to “be formed for transmitting music.” Although these and many other hurdles were overcome, the New York Electric Music Company still didn’t have enough subscribers to make their business profitable. When Crosby could not get support for the project (even music be piped throughout New York, was the Cafe Martin, a large restaurant AT&T had declined) he left the company. but there were also speakers installed at on 26th Street between Fifth Avenue and It was now in the hands of Frederick C. Music Hall for the public to hear. The Broadway. But trouble soon erupted Todd. But the general financial troubles New York debut of the Telharmonium (or when patrons of the New York Telephone of the time (including the “Panic of Dynamophone as it was sometimes Company complained of music bleeding 1907”) drove away investors, as well called) was on September 26th, 1906. into their telephone conversations. as subscribers. By February, 1908, the Oscar T. Crosby gave a speech and a Although the Telharmonium had separate public concerts stopped. And in May concert was performed for the public and cables, they were laid right next the the New York Electric Music Company potential customers. phone company cables and, due to the collapsed. The Telharmonium was shut Music was usually played by two strength of the Telharmonium’s signal, down and the doors to Telharmonic Hall people (4 hands) and consisted of mostly there was significant crosstalk. The were locked. classical works by Bach, Chopin, Greig, telephone company notified Crosby The Third Telharmonic Rossini and others. The company had that they intended to terminate their Cahill dismantled the Telharmonium boasted that the Telharmonium had agreement to supply cables for the and shipped it back to the workshop enough power to supply “fifteen or Telharmonium. Crosby scrambled to find in Holyoke. He then began working on twenty thousand subscribers” and that a way to lay their own cables. a third Teleharmonic. Of course, this they had plans to have four separate The winter of 1907 proved promising instrument was even bigger than the circuits with different music on each line. for the New York Electric Music previous two, with newer and more A few weeks later, on November 9th, Company. New subscribers included powerful alternators which eliminated the first subscriber to the piped in music the very well known restaurant, Louis some of the bass and volume issues of
25 continued. . . the previous model. Telharmonium was demonstrated at Thaddeus’s brother, tried to find a home In 1910, Cahill demonstrated the Carnegie Hall. However, the public had for the only remaining instrument, the new Telharmonium in Holyoke, grown tired of it. The novelty had worn first prototype. But nobody was Massachusetts to 200 interested people off. The press were unimpressed. The interested so he sold it for scrap. from New York, Boston, and other new Wurlitzer organ had stolen much But the technology, the ideas of Cities. Cahill, along with his brothers, attention away from the Telharmonium, tonewheels that Cahill originated, still George and Arthur, reformed the as did the growing popularity of wireless lives on. Many of the concepts from the company as The New York Cahill transmissions. The company fell into Telharmonium were later incorporated Telharmonic Company, renegotiated a debt and in December 1914 the New into the Hammond Organ. But by the franchise with the city of New York, and, York Cahill Telharmonic Company time Hammond was developed, electrical in August 1911, installed the new declared bankruptcy. amplification was a fact of life, so the Telharmonium in a building at 535 West Epilogue tonewheels could be much smaller, 56th Street, New York City. No recordings of the Telharmonium making the Hammond at least a little bit In February 1912, the new have survived. In 1950 Arthur T. Cahill, more portable.
Information from: Chadabe, Joel, Electric Sound: The Past and Promise of Electronic Music, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1997 Weidenaar, Reynold, Magic Music from the Telharmonium, Video, Magnetic Music Publishing, 1998 Paradiso, Joe, “Electronic Music Interfaces,” http://www.media.mit.edu/~joep/SpectrumWeb/SpectrumX.html
CD Available from Amazon.com
26 CD AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON.COM
27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 . . . To Be Continued in Next Issue
37 IN MEMORY
Sent in by Beverley Sharp and Ray Parkinson
Dear Mike, because he was terrific,” Mr. Cable Here is some info on the life, and recalled. “He may have been young but recent death, of John Arpin, which we he was confident beyond his years. I thought might be of interest for the don’t know how he was so confident. I Bulletin. remember asking him where he was Mr. Arpin was a guest performer at one from. When he said ‘Port McNicoll,’ of the AMICA Conventions we attended. well, I said that I didn’t think anyone We have some CDs and his Ampico came from there. But he was one of roll of St. Louis Blues. those naturals, I guess, destined to Best regards, become a star.” Ð Beverley Sharp and Ray Parkinson GEORGIAN BAY BOYHOOD PIANIST WAS THE ‘CHOPIN John Arpin grew up in Port McNicoll, Ontario, where he was the OF RAGTIME’ AND A second of Elie and Marie Arpin’s two MASTER OF ALL MUSICAL sons. His parents ran a general store in GENRES the little Georgian Bay town that was Toroto pianist John Arpin was the ‘definitive once know as “the Chicago of Canada” pianist.’ In 1968, below, he played for jazz and As a composer, his music was heard on Ragtime great, Eubie Blake. Polka Dot Door as well as daily on for its shipping and grain-handling Morningside. As a performer, he made facilities, and instilled in their children more than 60 albums. ‘He was one of both their devout Catholic faith (his those naturals’ mother attended church every day) and By Lisa Fitterman their love of music. From The Globe and Mail, Nov. 17, 2007 Mr. Arpin often spoke of a gift his British Columbia, Canada parents gave him for Christmas when he was a teenager: a recording of a By all rights and the laws of human Puccini opera. At first, he looked on the physiology, John Arpin should never gift askance. Opera? For him? To make have been a pianist. His hands seemed his parents happy, or at least keep them at In 1976, he too small, with short, delicate fingers bay, he played it. It wasn’t half-finished experimented with direct-to-disc that somehow spanned not only octaves before he was crying like a baby and recording but whole musical genres, from classical asking for more. and opera to Broadway, the Beatles and His introduction to piano was through ragtime. his brother, Leo, who was 10 years older Couple those hands with an and started to take lessons when his encyclopedic general knowledge of sibling was still a toddler. As Leo banged music, add the gift of the gab, and you had out chords and scales, little John mimic- a consummate entertainer who, over the ked the sounds. Soon, he was picking out course of half a century, released no less tunes, displaying an innate musicality, a than 67 recordings and often engaged his perfect pitch and the sense of storytelling remarked Mr. Arpin’s wife, Mary Jane audiences in impromptu history lessons that would help him to become one of the Esplen. “John’s mother had a sensitive about what he would play. most beloved and admired pianists of his stomach and apparently, she would be sick “You really felt you were part of a generation. all the way down and all the way back. John Arpin performance rather than just By the time he was a teenager, he’d But she was devoted and believed in her an observer,” said Howard Cable, who learned everything he could from the few son’s talent.” gave the pianist one of his earliest piano teachers in the region, and his Indeed, when her son expressed an professional gigs back in 1956 as part of a mother began accompanying him on long interest in becoming a doctor and even band playing at the Canadian National weekly bus trips to Toronto so that he insisted on studying medicine for a short Exhibition in Toronto. could continue his studies at the Royal time, his mother was dead set against it. “I hired him as a sub but soon realized Conservatory of Music. “You’re too emotional to do that,” she told that I’d better keep him on full-time “It couldn’t have been easy on her,” him repeatedly. “You’re too sensitive.” 38 continued. . .
In a way, she was right, for Mr. Arpin He was always a fixture at concerts and love and in 1990, they married – he for the was not the kind of man to keep things summer festivals throughout Southern third time – at their good friend Al Rose’s bottled up inside. He was the opposite of Ontario, and he toured the rest of the home in New Orleans. As Mr. Rose, the stoic, and had a tendency to cry at the world whenever time allowed, building an noted jazz historian and impresario, drop of a hat. “He didn’t have to maintain international reputation as a consummate escorted the bride down the aisle, Mr. a strong outer front,” continued Dr. professional who always put his own spin Arpin played An Affair to Remember on Esplen, a clinician and scientist at the on whatever he was playing. the piano. University of Toronto. “He loved a lot Dr. Esplen, whose parents owned an of things that most men wouldn’t be ‘KNOW THE LYRICS’ antique store, got her husband interested caught dead doing, things such as picking “Know the lyrics,” he was wont to say in collecting Nippon china. He took to it out flowers, shopping for groceries and to artists he mentored. In other words, so eagerly that she sometimes regretted even for clothes for me. And he listened. they had to understand and tease out not encouraging him to collect stamps, Oh, how he listened. the story of a piece of music through the which would have been easier to store. “You know, he would have made a language of cadence and melody, whether “Let me just say that after say the third or wonderful psychiatrist.” or not there were actual lyrics to follow. fourth new china cabinet I began to get a Alongside his own prolific concert and little worried,” she wrote in her blog. CONSERVATORY GRADUATION recording career, Mr. Arpin served as “Over the years, we moved on beyond At 16, Mr. Arpin graduated from the music director and accompanist to both cocoa sets to tea sets and plates, and conservatory, continuing his studies at Canadian contralto Maureen Forrester and humidors, and nut sets and juice sets and U of T before embarking on a career to actress-singer Louise Pitre, who made platters and celery sets . . . need I say during which the American jazz great an International splash in her 2001 more?” Eubie Blake called him “the Chopin of Broadway debut as Donna Sheridan in She was the family accountant, keeping Ragtime.” After his stint with Mr. Cable’s Mamma Mia! At times, he also acted as track of purchases and finances because band, he began in the 1960s to perform music arranger for artists such as Tommy Mr. Arpin wasn’t terribly interested in with his trio and as a soloist in Toronto Hunter and Roy Payne. such things. “He was a real live-for-today bars and hotel lounges; bespectacled His recordings ranged the gamut from kind of guy,” she remarked. and with a Prince Valiant haircut, he ragtime through to the music of Andrew He was a loving father to his three entertained patrons with a repertoire that – Lloyd Webber, honky-tonk, spirituals surviving children from his first two besides ragtime – featured classics, stride and tango. He did three albums with marriages, while his deep faith got him piano, bebop, traditional jazz and film and Ms. Forrester, an instrumental album that through the tragedy of the death of a stage tunes. featured the music of singer-composer son from SIDS and his own diagnosis a In the late 1960s, he joined CTV as the Gordon Lightfoot, another of Arpin at the number of years ago of a rare, inoperable network’s music director, and in 1976, he Opera, The Complete Piano Works of and slow-acting form of intestinal cancer. became the first Canadian to make a Scott Joplin and seven linked CDs of For Mr. Arpin, life itself was music, in “direct-to-disc” recording, then a new popular nostalgic tunes. all its terrible beauty. And he was listening kind of album where the entire side was Throughout his career, he garnered two to it right up until the end, including his cut in one take. RCA producer Jack Juno nominations, won the 1998 Scott own Blue Gardenia album of Latin tempo Feeney explained at the time that such Joplin Award from a Missouri foundation songs and one of his all-time favourites, recordings required musicians who dedicated to the preservation of ragtime Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal’s I’ll Be performed perfectly, and that Mr. Arpin and was awarded first prize out of Seeing You. was the perfect choice – “a definitive 450 entrants in the Yamaha Second pianist, one who plays crisply and with International Original Concert Series in very few mistakes.” Tokyo, this for his composition Lyric Suite JOHN FRANCIS Throughout the 1970s, his composition for Piano, Strings and Percussion. Jogging Along was the theme song for the Mr. Arpin parlayed his indefatigable OSCAR ARPIN CBC radio program Morningside, while energy into his personal life, too. An November 8, 2007 “John Arpin Sundays” at the McMichael avid collector of sheet music and Nippon Gallery in Kleinberg, Ontario, were china, he often “You’d never not know John Arpin died at home with his much-anticipated weekly events over a that John was in the room for he was loving wife and family at his side on period of 20 years. always working it, asking questions and Nov. 8, 2007 after a lengthy battle with In 1984, he moved to TVOntario as entertaining,” said Dr. Esplen, whom he cancer. John was born in Port McNicoll, writer, director and performer for the married in 1990 in New Orleans. “It didn’t Ontario on December 3, 1936. He was station’s beloved children’s program Polka matter what walk of life you were from. an internationally acclaimed pianist, Dot Door. On camera, he was a He was such an authentic presence.” composer, arranger and performed in a natural, interacting with the stuffed animal The couple first met in 1986 at a piano variety of settings including upscale clubs characters Humpty, Dumpty, Marigold lounge in Toronto, when Dr. Esplen asked and concert halls both as a soloist or and Gear with a childlike wonder, zest and him to play several obscure Scott Joplin with symphonies. He also produced curiosity. songs. Their friendship gradually turned to and wrote music for several TV series, 39 continued. . . including TVO’s Polka Dot Door. and her husband Majid Mohammadi, all John and his family greatly appreciate John brought joy to many through his of Toronto. John also leaves four the excellent care provided by the gift of music, his passion for and grandchildren: grandsons Alexander and Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, engagement in life and through his Kurt and granddaughters Nicole and and treatments at Princess Margaret and charm and wit. He will be forever missed Brianna. John is also survived by his Mount Sinai Hospitals, as well as by his wife, Mary Jane Esplen and his brother, Leo of Midland, Ontario. John services organized by Toronto’s CCAC children: son, Bob and his wife Lynne; was predeceased by his mother, Marie (e.g. St. Elizabeth’s Nurses). daughter, Jennifer and her husband Emelda Bertrand and father, Elie Regis Steve Schaefer; and daughter, Nadine Arpin.
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40 continued. . . PLEASE VISIT THESE SUPPLIERS OF RECUT ROLLS
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41 AMICA Chapter Lady Liberty S.O.W.N.Y. America Heart of Rocky Mountain Texas Southern California Sierra Nevada Pacific Can-Am Northern Lights Midwest Boston Chicago Founding LOCATION OF states do not have an CHAPTERS KEY Currently the rest of MAP of the AMICA Chapters
42 a 1926 7’ Mason Hamlin Ampico ‘A’ with a ‘B’ drawer. We concluded the festive day with our annual gift exchange. News From The Chapters
Ron’s home-Huston Place
NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAPTER Reporter: Jerrilyn Boehland President: Paul Watkins
Winter arrived in Minnesota the weekend of December 1 Ron and his Steinway Duo-Art. and 2. With all the snow and treacherous roads, 28 brave individuals traveled to Ron Olsen’s home Sunday, December 2, for our annual Christmas Party. Terry Smythe made the longest trek, coming all the way from Winnipeg, and stopping in St. Cloud to pick up Kevin Keymer, a fellow music enthusiast. Randy Hammond The theme of the party was a “1920’s Christmas”. Ron’s working on his Mason house was beautifully decorated for the season with his restoration fund. collection of vintage ornaments, lights, and trees inside and out. Many guests dressed in 1920’s attire as requested by our host. Two awards were given out for the most creative costumes. The food was scrumptious as always. Ron provided the main course, (preparation by Terry Goepel and Craig Remmen) and the guests filled in with appetizers and desserts. Paul Watkins conducted a short business meeting. After new and old business, thanking the host, introducing guests and new members, we discussed upcoming events and meetings. For the most part, all places and dates are in place. Our slate of officers was voted on and they are as follows: President-Paul Watkins, Vice President-Ron Olsen, Secretary-Michael LuBrant, Treasurer-Barb Watkins, Reporter-Jerrilynn Boehland, Board Rep-Paul Watkins. Throughout the afternoon we enjoyed constant music Terry Goepel prepping provided by Ron’s impeccably restored instruments and large for dinner. roll collection. His collection includes a 1920’s Link 2E, 1923 5’2” Kimball Welte grand, 1917 Steinway OR Duo-Art, and
43 L to R: Dave Kearn, Barb Kearn, Barb Watkins, Paul Watkins, Ron Olsen in 1920’s garb.
Pierre Girard and Dennis Borrell.
Terry Smythe and Michael LuBrant. PACIFIC CAN-AM CHAPTER Reporter: Ron Babb President: Carl Dodrill - [email protected]
The Pacific Can-Am Chapter gathered on December 9th at the home of Halie and Carl Dodrill in Mercer Island, Washington. The afternoon began with a tour of the most recent project of the Pipe Organ Foundation, which Carl heads. When it is finished, the nearly completed organ will go to Blessed Seelos parish in New Orleans. We were privileged to hear a brief concert, played by Halie. This was followed by music from the Dodrill’s Aeolian Craig Remmen slicing the ham. Orchestrelle and their Aeolian Duo-Art player pipe organ. As always, our chapter had lots of business to discuss including reports on the continuing demonstrations of the Knabe Grand at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, the restoration of a pumper player that will be donated to the Bellingham Radio Museum, and plans for an organ rally (Aug. 15-17) in Leavenworth. Dates and places for our four regular meetings in 2008 were announced. We welcomed several visitors, including three who had driven up from southern Oregon. We elected officers, with the following slate chosen: Co-presidents, Carl and Halie Dodrill; Vice President, Bill Mote; Treasurer, Mark Smithberg; Reporter, Peg Kehret; AMICA Board Representative, Carl Dodrill in 2008, Dan Brown in 2009. We all look forward to our annual holiday gift Terry Goepel and Roy Piek. exchange. One sneaky member filled an Ampico box with
44 homemade toffee, giving the recipient quite a surprise of Denver. Ken entertained us with music from his when he unwrapped his gift and looked to see what song 1926 Knabe Ampico A, Verbeeck 36-Key Street Organ, Pell it was. Popular gifts which were “stolen” from their Harmonette, and 1918 Kimball upright. In addition, Ken original recipients included Belgian chocolates, Starbucks has a large collection of antique radios, which he restores, coffee and a musical outhouse table favor from a aerospace memorabilia, several flags returned from orbit previous convention. A potluck meal ended the festivities. on Space Shuttle flights, autographed photos from a 60 year There are a lot of good cooks in this group! period of air and space milestones, a collection of small U.S. Our next meeting will be on March 29 in Port Space Program match-box type toys and memorabilia, and Ludlow, WA. a wall of unique automobile license plates including special Presidential Inaugural Year issues. A tour through Ken’s house provides a tour through over 100 years of technical achievement starting with early mechanical music instruments, electronics, flight, space exploration and on. His 2001 vintage Verbeeck Organ provides a suitable finale to his collection-a modern mechanical music instrument of classic design! President Jere DeBacker conducted a business meeting, where, among other things, the date and place for our Christmas meeting and party was set. Bill and Rosanna Harris will again host the party at their facility in Denver. After the meeting, we grazed for the rest of the afternoon on the pot-luck offerings and enjoyed the many interesting attractions. Of course we collected into the usual small Joan Wilson chats with Fran and Maury Willyard. groups to pick each other’s brains on various mechanical music issues. Fred Wilson brought a roll of “Gobler Rag”, a composition written and performed by Libbie Allen, an aunt of Fred’s wife. Libbie played concerts as a child in the late 1890’s. Of great interest were photos of John Haass’ recent purchase: a 50/60’s vintage Decap ‘Organ in a basket’. John will need an aerospace engineer to put that one back together!
Carl Dodrill plays the Aeolian Orchestrelle for Adam Rosencrantz.
Ken Hodge at his Knabe, Jud Murphy, Joe Saman, Tom Zook. Standing: Jere DeBacker, Jerry Hutt and Bill Harris.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER Reporter: Larry Emmons President: Jere DeBacker
November 3, 2007 Chapter VP Ken Hodge hosted our November 3rd meeting at his home in Parker, a pleasant semi-rural suburb southeast Art Reblitz, Bob Grunow, Rosanna Harris, Marilyn Decker, Bill Decker. 45 Jud Murphy, Joe Saman and This Atwater-Kent Model 55 Tom Zook are discussing is one of Ken’s many old John Haass’ Decap. radios.
Joe Saman looking on while Jerry Hutt loads a roll into the Knabe with a little help from Libbie Wilson.
Ken and Art share a light moment while Bob and Jeanie look on.
Fred Wilson and Ken are perusing project photos of the Verbeeck Organ carriage.
Ken’s son-in-law Bryan, Rosanna Harris, Ken’s daughter Marlowe Marklin, Jeanie Reblitz and Bob Grunow.
J. Verbeek Model C Street Organ. 36 keys, 72 pipes, plays Book Music.
46 Our regular members were in attendance with the long distance award going to Leslie Hoffman, Vice President of the Southern California Chapter—so happy she could make it. The JAM-5 roll on the Cremona “G” entertained with the realism of hand playing by John Farrell; his arrangements are the best. Some guests thought Tom Brier was playing. No, the roll is just that good. Instead of a gift exchange, we asked attendees to bring a new child’s toy for our County Sheriff’s toy drive—photo attached. Chapter members Tom and Virginia Hawthorn did this a couple of years back, and we thought it was a good idea. A big thank you to all those who brought a toy. We had a short business meeting, and the Treasurer, Doug Program, ticket, sheet music, piano roll and photo of Libbie Allen, Mahr, informed us we are solvent—so much for details. composer of “Gobler Rag”. The program is dated May 31, 1898 with John gave a brief history of the instruments in our collec- Libbie Lute, age 11 years listed as a performer. The ticket is for a tion—what they are and where they came from originally. A concert on Jan 29, 1898 featuring “The Baby Pianist, Libbie Lute”. big treat for John was Tom Brier hand playing ragtime on the Seeburg “G.” It really sounded good! We also had an 88- note roll sale; Tom and Virginia Hawthorn had eight boxes of rolls donated to the chapter. Members picked though these and found some treasures. In the end, Chip Lusby purchased the remaining seven boxes. We know it was getting late, but after most members left, Tom Brier (hand playing the foot pumper) and Julia Riley (on flute) played some fabulous music—not ragtime.
Fred Wilson with daughters Pearl (age 6) & Libbie (age 3), likely to be the next generation of Wilsons after Yousuf and Fred to be mechanical music nuts!
The Raspberry Jam Band: Julia Riley, flute; George Preston, behind euphonium; Tom Brier, piano; Mary Rose Preston, violin.
SIERRA-NEVADA CHAPTER Reporter: Nadine Motto-Ros President: John Motto-Ros - (209) 267-9252
12/29/07 Our chapter Christmas meeting (Saturday, December 8) was as close as you could get to a “Rent Party,” but we did not collect the money—the chapter treasurer collected dues for 2008. We had live music to open the party. The Raspberry Jam Band (see photo) got everyone in the holiday spirit with some wonderful Christmas tunes. During dinner, we listened to the Mason & Hamlin play Ampico Christmas selections on the Tom and Virginia Hawthorn, Rick Simms behind; Roger and Erik PianoDisc. Barrett with Fred Deal behind and Bob Lemon. 47 Tom Brier playing the Seeburg “G.”
Some of the group in the music room.
Sonja and Bob Lemon, Tom Brier and Julia Riley.
Some of the Christmas toys collected.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER Reporter: Shirley Nix President: Jerry Pell - (214) 328-6380
October Meeting October 28th found us at the lovely home of Mike and Kathy Choate in Dana Point for a meeting. We had a good turnout for this one, and a beautiful day. The fires that ravaged Southern California were not far from the Choate home, and although they were not in danger, they had a lot of cleanup to do because of the ashes that drifted down. At least two of our members had been forced to evacuate, but luckily they were able to return to their homes Geoffrey Kaiser, Bruce Grimes and Chip Lusby at the Seeburg “G.” unscathed. 48 A full lunch was put out for us, and everything was very tasty. Mike and Kathy have been adding to their collection quite rapidly, and have put together a really nice assortment of machines, mostly American made. The latest addition is a Link, and it is absolutely gorgeous. It was restored in and out, and sounds as good as it looks. A Coinola Midget, a Coinola X and one of the nicest sounding Mills Violanos are just a sample of the other really nice pieces. Juke boxes of many types and sizes add to the fun. Everything is in pristine condition, and it was fun to sit and enjoy the music. The oldest item in their collection is a nicely carved, very attractive piano from the mid 1800’s, which has been in Kathy’s family since it was new. They have pictures of it in homes of family members over the years. Mike said he thought it had been a long time since anyone knew how to play, but it is a beautiful piece and Kathy loves it. One year fairly recently Mike had a computerized system installed, so now it plays up a storm and they really enjoy it. In the garage were a Wurlitzer 105 and a Wurlitzer 146 playing their hearts out for all to enjoy. The house was decorated for Halloween, with witches and goblins and all the usual trimmings. There were witches’ cauldrons full of candy for us to take. All in all, it was a great day, and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. We really thank Mike and Kathy for their hospitality. They outdid themselves for us.
Bob Lloyd discussing important “things” with Shawn and Robert Baumbach.
Robin Biggins, Ardis Prescott and Diane Lloyd.
Our hosts Mike and Kathy Choate in front of the family piano.
Ralph Schack and Frank Nix share a laugh. Bill Blair and Richard Ingram enjoying the dessert table.
49 December Meeting Bill through the maintenance, repair and rebuilding steps of Herb Mercer, Reporting the player devices. Bill is now taking on the challenges of fine Our AMICA/MBSI December meeting and Christmas tuning and regulating actions on grand pianos. John and party was held at the home of Dana Bashor. Imagine going Janet Johns drove the seven hour trip from Canada’s capital through a guarded gate in the community of Hidden Hills city, Ottawa, to attend the meeting. John’s talents and skills at six o’clock in the evening. It’s already dark, and the are ably demonstrated in his collection of both upright and Christmas lights of the neighboring homes gently guide us to grand player pianos. Dana’s home. Carl and Clarisse Burgwardt shared stories about the We hear music and laughter as we approach his home, and history of downtown Buffalo and the concerns of both Dana is waiting inside the door with a big smile welcoming us developers and citizens on Buffalo’s historic waterfront. Our in. We step down to the left to place our gifts for the exchange president, Mike, gave a presentation about one of Buffalo’s under the tree. venerable industries, the Q.R.S. Factory. He had gleaned One of the first things we notice is his newest acquisition, through Q.R.S. archives to find rare treats such as the 1925-26 a Welte orchestrion, which is as beautiful to look at as it is to roll of Peter the Rabbit. He also found a letter demonstrating listen to. how rolls and artists were sometimes ‘loaned’ from one The room adjacent has a great bar with three servers to get company to another. The ever popular Rachmaninoff playing us whatever we wish to drink, and trays of horsd’oeuvres are his own Prelude in C# Minor was a sure seller and Q.R.S. everywhere. insisted on having its own roll even though Welte had the The ballroom is reserved for dancing after the catered license! The relatively obscure Recordo roll for the Soloelle dinner, which is delicious. After eating we have a short piano was unrolled to show how the melody notes were business meeting honoring our outgoing officers for a job accented while all others were muted. Perhaps this roll might well done and to vote in the new slate. Leslie Hoffman is one day make it to the home of the only known Soloelle piano coming in as our President, and she has some ideas she known to exist. How might this design concept let the melody wants to implement to get AMICA really rolling. line sing? There are music boxes for us to enjoy, and lots of fun. The The real shocker came after our business meeting when gift exchange is, as always, a huge success with some really Tom Stengel introduced the ‘Trade Stimulator’ – a marketing creative gifts. tool for the benefits of living with electricity. Tom, Muriel and We owe Dana a real vote of thanks for his hospitality Mike joined hands while Tom turned the crank and we and generosity. He goes out of his way to put on a fantastic witnessed grown up AMICAn members get the shock of their party. life! Although this is a curiosity, it owes its existence to the creative talents that provided electrically lit street lights for
S.O.W.N.Y. CHAPTER Reporter: Garry Lemon President: Daniel D. Tenerowicz - [email protected] Hawaii in New York State Ð Audrey, Nika, Carl, Bill, Clarisse August Meeting and Daniel protected by the palm tree. Hawaii in upstate New York – why not? Nature gave us a warm and sunny day. Bill and Audrey lit the torches, propped up the palm tree, swept the patio and set up the white tables and chairs. Bill poured beverages from the tropical bar. Audrey served tasty summer appetizers and we all shared in the ever tasty potluck dinner. Entry unto the patio and swimming area was granted only after we chose a colourful Hawaiian lei. We quickly learned how to barter for the most daring colour combinations – a good opportunity to see everyone and to renew friendships. Honorary members, Harrold and Muriel Hodgkins intro- duced Bill Outred to new members. Harrold has mentored Our two Toms listen to our talented cooks, Anne and Linda. 50 Detail of Peter the December Meeting Rabbit roll December of 2007 in upper New York State – the snow is falling, the wind is blowing and Mike and Holly are welcoming friends to our annual Christmas Celebration. Dressed in his festive red, Mike brings us to the tree and suggests where we may place our presents for the ‘gift exchange’. Meanwhile, Holly and her able assistants Audrey, Linda, Anne, Donna, Clarice and Shirley are sorting and storing the ‘goodies’, counting up the cutlery and plates, and keeping an attentive eye so that the cookies remain on their trays! Mike invites us to his music room and encourages us to read the Juke Box ‘selection lists’. Several Christmas and seasonal favourite songs are ready to play. Once the coins are inserted and the tone arm gyrates, we drop back to the big boomy hi-fi/stereo sound of yesterday. Vinyl records and their players offer visual and aural sensations that mere compact discs can only envy. Meanwhile, upstairs, Tom and Garry have an opportunity to try out the Chickering B grand. Hearing Arron Copland’s mischievious ‘Cat and the Mouse’ played is a real treat. Copland’s humour and descriptive scene of the cat chasing the mouse, the cat bumping its head on the wall, the mouse dancing triumphantly around the cat, the cat waking up and pouncing on the mouse . . . well, is this Christmas spirit? Supper was a success. Roast beef, sausages, salads and Mike demonstrating the the tasty pies prepared us for the business meeting. The Soloelle Roll. 2008 executive was elected, the tentative calendar of events set-up, and a ‘thinking of you’ moment to remember those who could not attend and those whose friendship is truly well remembered. Now the serious stuff . . . the ‘gift exchange’. From SOWNY Chapter, Best wishes for 2008!
Mike, Muriel and Tom learning about electricity.
Gift Exchange
51 Tech talk Ð Tom and Mike check out the Ampico vacuum system.
In the music room: Carl and Mike discuss ‘piano rolls’, Wurlitzer 1015 on left, bowling coin operated machine on right.
In the kitchen: Anne, Glenn and Shirley, Holly, Tom and Donna.
Upstairs at the TEXAS CHAPTER Chickering, Tom Reporter: Maureen Barisonek sets the ‘roll’. President: Jerry Bacon - 214-328-9369
December 2006 The Christmas meeting was held on December 10th at the home of Vicki Brady south of Fort Worth. Vicki and her husband Bruce have a lovely home at Lake Benbrook where they enjoy the various wildlife that lives around the lake. Vicki has an all natural organic landscape and plenty of room Chris and her musical scarf for her large organic vegetable garden. from gift While members visited together and played a few exchange. Christmas rolls on Vicki’s Stroud upright pumper piano, Vicki set out a wonderful lasagna dinner she had prepared for us. After a brief business meeting we had the Christmas gift exchange, several presents changing hands a couple times which provided fun for all. 52 Our thanks to Vicki for the delicious dinner and the The weekend activities were arranged by Dee Eltzroth opportunity for Chapter members to be together for this and coordinated with the Chapters by Bill Boruff and Julian Christmas meeting. Grace. They worked together to format a time of music, good food and great fellowship. As Dee’s beloved husband Art had passed away just a few weeks earlier, this gathering of his music society friends was a tribute to his memory. And a fine tribute it was. Dee encouraged her guests to enjoy the beautiful grounds surrounding her home. The famous pet monkey, T.J., performed for all who would watch him. He was in rare form for most of the evening. A delicious Mexican buffet was served as a live band played.
L-R Eleanor & Charles Ford, Suzanne McCall & Sharron & Bill Boruff with Bill McKeown in back on piano bench.
A live band plays at the party on Friday night Also during the course of the evening, the numerous music machines were played that surrounded the great dining hall. At one point we heard two electronic accordions played by a couple of our members. It was truly a wonderful afternoon and evening.
Christmas Gift Exchange
Spring meeting 2007 Reported by Julian Grace On Friday April 20, 2007 the Texas Chapter AMICA and the Sunbelt Chapter MBSI met at the Eltzroth home for the kick off party of the Cleburne Spring Fest and Band Organ Rally. Dee Eltzroth greeted her guests as the fabulous Stinson Band Organ played in front of the party building.
Tom Bode and Leonard Railsback play the electronic accordions at the party.
Early Saturday morning the Cleburne Spring Fest celebration was buzzing with activity around the courthouse square. Larry Kern brought his Stinson Carousel Band Organ from El Paso, Texas. Beautifully appointed, Larry’s Stinson was a wonderful sight to see and a pleasure to listen to. It drew crowds of people throughout the day, expressing appreciation, and full of questions about the Band Organ and our society. Leonard and Billy Railsback brought their Stinson Dutch Type Street Organ from Kansas, always ready The Eltzroth Stinson Band Organ to answer questions from the public and playing such lovely music throughout the morning and into the afternoon, the Railsback Organ was a crowd pleaser. 53 There were sidewalk vendors all around the square and all types of crafts, foods and specialty items were being sold. Also, several antique stores tempted many of us to venture in and look for that special item. Lots of fun and the day was perfectly beautiful, adding to the experience. As the day came to a close, Dee Eltzroth invited anyone who desired to for a relaxing chat and recovery time back at her home. Dee ended our weekend as she had started it with a welcoming smile and open heart. Thank you Dee! Some of the music machines in the Eltzroth collection:
Dee Eltzroth and Leonard Railsback’s Stinson Organ Julian Grace Around the corner Tom and Kay Bode were grinding their monkey organs as onlookers enjoyed music and asked questions. Tom had a toy monkey on his machine that swayed as the music was played. The kids, big and small, loved it and smiles were everywhere. The Bodes drove in from Kansas City, Missouri. Tom Bode cranks his organ as Nancy Dickey looks on.
Across the square Walter, Jessie and Charlie Moore took turns playing their magnificent Grand Roller Organ. Always teaching and entertaining the bystanders, they were a big hit. Charlie had several newly pinned cobs he had produced on his computerized cob pinning machine that he invented. Wayne Holten had arranged the music for several of the cobs and the sound was incredible. The Moores came in from Dallas, Texas.
Charlie & Walter Moore’s cob organ
54 Piano Pro Moving and Storage
Piano Pro Moving is a small company that gives a personalized service. JOHN WRASSE, Proprietor • 25 years of experience in full time piano moving and restoration. • Oversees and directs every aspect of And of course, each move with competence and T.J. the Eltzroth’s pet monkey. expertise from pickup to delivery. • Specializes in rare and valuable antique pianos. • A member of the AMICA Music Collectors Association. • Climate controlled storage available
31449 216th Street • Bellevue, Iowa 52031 E-mail: [email protected]
(563) 580-2472 (2-08)
ANSWER KEY to the Duo-Art Crossword Puzzle from page 6.
1. C R 2. A S 3. H 4. M I 5. L 6. N 7. E
ALMA8. J O S E 9. F
10.S I T U 11. A S W R
UE12.K S 13.S I
14.C A R R E N O 15.T 16.H E M E
CR17.N O R A D
I 18.C O N E O 19.I M
20.W R 21.S 22.U N 23.A A
24.A E O L 25.I A N D 26.C A N
NSK27.A R 28.A C
I 29.S I N K 30.P 31.O 32.N E
33.S 34.B 35.O 36.L E 37.E A R S
38.A 39.C 40.WEBER D 41.R
42.P U M 43.P I C 44.I R A EJ TYAA
45.G R A I N G E R 46.K N O B
The Piano Peddlers PLAYER PIANO REPAIR SERVICE REBUILDING Ampico ¥ Duo-Art ¥ Nickelodeon We do Gulbransen Player Stacks
(2-08) 719-580-7529 (1-08)
55 FOR SALE ADVERTISING SEEBURG “E” with xylophone, “A” roll piano with art glass GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT scene; WURLITZER 1015 Jukebox; CYLINDER MUSIC BOX ALL ADVERTISING IN THE AMICA BULLETIN 20 TUNE, 2 tunes per turn, cylinder 7 1/2 inches long, lid with tune sheet $3,000.00. All items professionally restored and refinished. All advertising should be directed to: J. Uhler, Box 126, Ingomar, PA 15127; 724-940-4331. (1-08) Mike Kukral Small collection of various REPRODUCING TEST ROLLS, etc. 216 Madison Blvd. A list upon request. Phone 623-242-6622. (1-08) Terre Haute, Indiana 47803 MASON & HAMLIN AMPICO MODEL B with factory Phone: 812-238-9656 Ampichron, Estey Welte Grand, Nelson Wiggen style 2, North e-mail: [email protected] Tonawanda band organ, Seeburg models: C, B, E, KT, Regina Ad copy must contain text directly related to the product/service Hexaphone, Upright Steinway Duo-Art, Star perforator, music being offered. Extraneous text will be deleted at the Publisher’s boxes and clocks. Paul Manganaro 610-965-5538 website: discretion. All advertising must be accompanied by payment in antiquemechanicalrestorations.com (1-08) U.S. funds. No telephone ads or written ads without payment will be accepted. This policy was established by a unanimous vote of FOR SALE: Two pianos from Jack Riffles reproducer piano the AMICA Board at the 1991 Board Meeting and reaffirmed at collection. A 1932 STEINWAY DUO-ART 6’7” OR completely the 1992 meeting. AMICA reserves the right to edit or to restored top to bottom and plays great. Hard to describe how reject any ad deemed inappropriate or not in keeping with beautiful this piano is or sounds....it is quite nice. The ivories look AMICA’s objectives. like they never have been played. Jack was a fanatic with taking care of and maintaining his pianos. 1926 BALDWIN 5’8” WELTE- The BULLETIN accepts advertising without endorsement, MIGNON GRAND PIANO completely restored inside and out. implied or otherwise, of the products or services being offered. We had Howard Goldberg out of Berkeley come up and do some Publication of business advertising in no way implies AMICA’s minor adjustments on this piano and he stated that it was the finest endorsement of any commercial operation. reproducing Welte he had ever heard. Both pianos are in Ukiah, CA AMICA PUBLICATIONS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO where Jack lived. Please email me at [email protected] or call ACCEPT, REJECT, OR EDIT ANY AND ALL 707-485-7664 for pictures and more info. Spencer Brewer (1-08) SUBMITTED ARTICLES AND ADVERTISING. MILLS SINGLE VIOLANO, late style with mahogany cabinet, excellent, unrestored condition. Plays well and original finish is in All items for publication must be submitted directly to the great shape. Fifteen rolls included. Cremona “G” wth 32 stopped Publisher for consideration. flute pipes. Totally restored with perfect butterscotch colored glass. Seeburg “K” with flute pipes, dancing girl glass, and rare black oak CLASSIFIED AD RATES FOR AMICA MEMBERS: cabinet. Total restoration. Seeburg “L” with late four door cabinet. 1-50 Words ...... $10.00 Totally restored. All of these pianos are in exceptional, investment 51-100 Words ...... $20.00 quality condition and would be prized additions to any collection. 101-150 Words ...... $30.00 Must be seen and heard. Pianos are located in Pennsylvania. Contact Non-member rates are double for all advertising. Bart Off, 610-641-9272. Please no evening calls. (3-08) FISCHER AMPICO A 5’ Grand, plays but needs rebuilding, DISPLAY ADVERTISING $2,000.00, rolls included. Otto Grau Upright Player (Piano), won- Full Page — 71/2 " x 10" ...... $150.00 derful original oak case with electric suction pump, plays but need Half Page — 71/2 " x 43/4" ...... $ 80.00 rebuilding, $600.00, rolls included. Aeolian Player Reed Organ, Quarter Page —35/8 " x 43/4" ...... $ 45.00 beautiful restored case, need rebuilding, rolls included, has electric Business Card — 31/2 " x 2" ...... $ 30.00 pump included, $800.00. Melville Clark Recordo expression Special 6 for 5 Ad Offer - Place any ad, with no changes, for a upright piano, Simplex player, plays but need rebuilding, refinished, full year (6 issues), and pay for only 5 issues. Payable in advance. rolls included, $500.00. Alvin Wulfekuhl, 540 Terrace Ave., Photographs or halftones $15.00 each Cincinnati, OH 45220; 513-281-8327; [email protected] (1-08) 1920 STECK DUO-ART 5’6” GRAND. Action rebuilt and Loose Sheet or Insert Advertising: Inquire refinished about 5 years ago. Includes approx. 180 Duo-Art rolls, We recommend that display advertisers supply camera-ready about half are playable originals. Excellent condition. 541-947-5113 copy. Copy that is oversized or undersized will be changed to See and hear it at www.gooselake.com/forsale/piano.html correct size at your cost. We can prepare advertisements from $12,500.00 Email: [email protected] (2-08) your suggested layout at cost. 3 CONTINENTS HOROLOGY STUDY CRUISE—our 5th PAYMENT: U.S. funds must accompany ad order. Make check cruise and seminar, takes us to Barcelona (Clock Museum, Pita payable to AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Typesetting and Watches-AHCI) and a Transatlantic cruise calling at Malaga layout size alterations charges will be billed. (Granada) Gibraltar (tremendous watch bargains) Tangier (antique DEADLINES: Submissions must be received no later than the markets) Casablanca (Marakesh), Agadir, Lanzarote, Tenerife, first of the odd months (January, March, May, July, September, Santa Cruz, Miami. Seminars at sea-Presentations about Horology, November). The Bulletin will be mailed the second week of the Mechanical Music, Automata, History of Science, Scientific even months. Instruments. Dec 3-20, 2007. From $3,100.00 Brochure? (Rev. 5-05) 1-800-262-4284 or [email protected] (4-08) NEW PIANO ROLL BOXES - Duo-Art Audiographic series - Exactly like the originals! Gold Printing, all 3 sizes available! (small & “There are safe and unsafe ways medium are “Top Hat” style) $6.00 ea. Quantities are limited, so get them before they are all gone! AMPICO “Top Hat” boxes- Black of doing nearly anything. The Leather with Gold Printing and False Bottom, Exactly like the originals, $4.00 ea. 88 note roll boxes in two sizes- Large (fits 2 3⁄4 flange) knowledge or the knack of doing covered with Black Alligator paper (Top), Black Leather (Bottom). or things safely is gained by experience, Brown Leather Paper (Top & Bottom) $3.00 ea. Small (fits 2” flange) Covered with Black or Tan Leather Paper (Top), White Litho (Bottom) properly directed.” $1.80 ea. Other repair supplies available- Parchment Leaders, Tabs, Tubes, Flanges, Repair Tissue. Quantity Discounts available. Rich - Ralph Budd Ingram [email protected] (760) 244-ROLL (7655) (1-08)
56 1927 FISCHER AMPICO upright electric reproducing piano, beautiful case and restoration, nice ivories, and excellent sound quality. Bench with new top and 100+ vintage/new piano rolls. Technician who kept piano in fine working order available by phone to answer questions. Located in central Iowa. Will consider any reasonable offer. Contact [email protected] for detailed information and photos. (1-08) WANTED For an ELECTROVA STYLE 66 PIANO: A pair of brass and art glass post lamps as pictured on page 397 of the Bowers Encyclope- dia, or someone willing to duplicate or send detailed measurements and pictures of their originals. Also wanted any original or recut Electrova 65 note or 88 note rolls and any literature related to these pianos. Please call or write to Jon Fortunato, 4 W.O. Bauer Lane, Orangeburg, NY 10962; 845-727-0192; email: [email protected] (3-08) Need one NORTH TONAWANDA PIANOLIN in any condition or Have changed prices on selective parts for same. Need twenty-four rose wood (or equal) xylo phone groups of Ampico & Duo-Art rolls bars. Scale #A to A to be used on “O” roll arrangement. Call Mike Krumenacker @ 610-489-7394 or e-mail at [email protected] (6-08) WANTED BY COLLECTOR: Movie Posters, Lobby Cards, Movie Photos, Concert Posters, Jazz and Blues 78 RPM Records, and Entertainment Memorabilia. Buying all sizes; any condition. Free Appraisals. Will give your stuff a good home! 800-392-4050 Ralph DeLuca 157 Park Ave Madison NJ 07940 [email protected] (5-08) “STANDARD PLAYER MONTHLY” magazines wanted for use in this bulletin. Will buy or borrow. Mike Kukral, 812-238-9656, [email protected]. (1-08) WELTE-MIGNON AND DELUXE REPRODUCING piano rolls. Mike Kukral 812-238-9656, E-mail [email protected] (1-09) RED WELTE MIGNON piano rolls (T-100). Paying top dollar. [email protected] Mike Kukral 812-238-9656 or [email protected] (3-09) (1-08) BOOK: WELTE-MIGNON — ITS MUSIC AND MUSICIANS by Charles Davis Smith printed for AMICA by Vestal Press. Do you have a copy you are not using that is sitting on the shelf or in a box? Let me know. Mike Kukral 503-741-0960, E-mail [email protected] (4-08) THE Kukral Collection ATOS Offering high top quality reissues of ExperienceAmerican Theatre Organ Society Welte-Mignon and Preserving a unique art form. 88 Note Player Piano rolls. Concerts, education, silent film, preservation, fellowship and more. www.atos.org Jim Merry, Executive Secretary Featuring rare, important, P.O. Box 5327, Fullerton, CA 92838 and fun music rolls recut [email protected] (6-08) from the legendary Welte-Mignon library of recordings er Pian and great music of the teens and twenties ’s Play o Ser vi on 88-note player piano rolls. Ben A Complete Restoration Service ce For The Pneumatic Piano PLEASE CONTACT Complete pianos and player systems restored using factory Mike Kukral original techniques by an experienced professional. Complete 216 Madison Blvd. or partial systems can be sent to my shop for restorations. Terre Haute, IN 47803 I supply special UPS cartons for this unique service. 812-238-9656 Ben Gottfried Email: [email protected] 464 Dugan Rd. • Richfield Springs, NY 13439 (6-08) 315-858-2164 (5-07)
57 WEBER UNIKA For Sale Oak case from noted Chicago collector. Mechanicals by D. C. Ramey Piano Co. 100 rolls
SEEBURG “E” HELLER “A” with xylophone-mahogany case “A” roll piano art glass front scene
COINOLA “X” with metal bells. Oak case, 100% professional restoration
MILLS VIOLANO original rolls in original boxes #2114 Specially arranged Christmas roll #2326 Handplayed special variety roll #2443 Hand played Polish roll #2445 German roll #2581 Hand played dance roll #2592 Hand played popular dance roll #2646 Hand played “Special” dance roll #2864 Knee Deep in Harmony dance tunes $1000.00 for all rolls & shipping
SEEBURG V-200 JUKEBOX WURLITZER 1015 JUKEBOX
JOE UHLER ¥ 724-940-4331 Box 126, Ingomar, PA 15127 (6-07) or TRADE 58 The PA (Phillips-Ampico) :KHUHGR\RXÀQGD eroll collection 5HJLVWHUHG3LDQR Now available from Bird Music 7HFKQLFLDQ" Another way to hear Ampico rolls The PA erolls are optimised for performance on a MIDI-equipped Ampico or any MIDI piano (Disklavier, www.ptg.org PianoDisc etc). There are 1431 performances by 483 composers, played by 283 pianists. Available on CDRoms in three file formats: ! standard MIDI files (type 0) for a MIDI piano ! e-MIDI or bar/ann for a MIDI-equipped Ampico Choose the lot, or just popular or classical. Also Anywhere youAnywhere go, a Registered you go,Piano a Technician available are a Favorites CDRom of 400 erolls and a (RPT) is ready to help you give customers the growing range of floppy disks. As little as 28c a roll, extraRegistered service and Piano assurance Technician they expect. all CDRoms include comprehensive catalogs. (RPT) is ready to help you We guarantee the performance quality 7KH3LDQR7HFKQLFLDQV*XLOGLVVKRZLQJRII For more information contact: Joingive us in customersRochester, NY, June the 21-25, extra 2006 For information on the 15,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall and being Galen Bird part of 250+service hours of and educational assurance opportunities visit 3300 Robinson Pike, Grandview, MO 64030, USA phone: 816-767-8246 ZZZSWJRUJFRQYthey expect. email: [email protected] website: www.birdmusic.org 4444 Forest Ave. Or contact Peter Phillips: Kansas City, KS email: [email protected] 913-432-9975 (1-08) website: www.petersmidi.com (1-08)
WANTED TO BUY MUSIC BOXES MUSICAL CLOCKS MECHANICAL ORGANS Always in the market for better quality disc and cylinder music boxes, musical clocks, singing birds, band organs, player organs, monkey organs, Wurlitzer 78 rpm jukeboxes, slot machines. Any condition. MARTIN ROENIGK 75 Prospect Avenue Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (800) 671-6333 • (479) 253-0405 www.mechantiques.com • [email protected]
(1-08)
59 Tom Hawthorn Hawthorn’s Antique Audio 77 Columbia Avenue Roseville, CA 95678 USA Phone or Fax: (916) 773-4727 Email: [email protected]
Piano and Piano Roll Literature Sale
A collection of over 100 pieces of player piano and piano roll literature will be offered for sale on eBay starting in January 2008. The collection consists of original catalogs, brochures, advertising material and other paper items for both reproducing and 88 note pianos and rolls. Each item is numbered, and will be listed in sequence on eBay at the rate of 1 or 2 items a week. All items will be listed under the “piano roll” category or can be easily located by searching our seller ID which is “hawthornsantiqueaudio.”
Here are a few sample items:
Artistyle roll catalog Vocalstyle roll catalog Wurlitzer organ roll catalog Auto Piano sales manual 1905 Aeolian roll catalog Angelus Player Piano catalog Welte Book of Famous Artists Duo-Art hard bound catalog Ampico hard bound catalog Ampico and Duo-Art supplements 1923 Chickering Centennial 1910 Hardman Piano catalog Knabe testimonial booklet Mason & Hamlin testimonial booklet 1913 Piano Trade Directory 1884 Shoninger Reed Organ catalog and many, many more......
A complete list of items in the collection is available free by email in PDF format. To receive a free copy of the list, just send a request to [email protected] and we’ll send the list to you by email right away. If you would like a printed copy, please send a SASE to our mailing address above. Sales will be through eBay only, no personal transactions. Don’t miss out on this wonderful collection!
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