~======(;::;~;:=:::;:::======TheAMICA News Bulletin of the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association
March 1981 Volume 18 AMICA MEMBERSHIP RATES: Continuing Members: $15 Annual Dues New Members, add $5 processing fee
CHA.PTER OFRCEllS
NORTHERN CAlIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL Pres.: Phil McCoy OfFICERS Vice Pres.: Isadora Koff , ' Treas.: Bob Wilcox Sec.lReporter: Jack 4< PRESIDENT THE AMICA NEWS BULLETIN Dianne EdwMds Robert M. Taylor SOUTHERN CAUFOIlNA 1326 Spruce St. #3004 Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Pres.: Mary Lilien Philadelphia, PA 19107 Association, a non-profit club devoted to the restoration, Vice Pres.: Roy Shelso VICE PRESIDENT distribution and enjoyment of musical instruments using Sec.: Herb Stockinger Terry Smythe perforated paper music rolls. Treas.: Les Cordell 71 Bourmont Bay Reporter: Bill Toeppe Winnepeg, Manitoba TEXAS Canada R2j 11<2 DOROTHY BROMAGE, Publisher Pres.: Bill Flynt SECRETARY Vice Pres.: Ken Long P.O. Box 387 jim Weisenborne Sec./Treas.: Janet Tonnesen 73 Nevada St. La Habra, CA 90631 Reporter: Carole Beckett 213/697-1545 Rochester, MI 48063 MIDWEST PUBLISHER Pres.: Jim Weisenborne Dorothy Bromage Vice Pres.: Ed Joswick P.O. Box 387 Contributions: All subjects of interest to readers of the Sec.: lim Needler La Habra, CA 90631 Bulletin are encouraged and invited by the plJblisher. All Treas.: Alvin Wulfekuhl articles must be received by the 10th of the preceding Reporter: Ahti Petaja MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY (New memberships and month. Every attempt will be made to publish all articles of PHILADELPHIA AREA mailing problems) general interest to AMICA members at the earliest possible Pres.: Len Wert Bobby Clark time and at the discretion of the publisher. Vice Pres.: Bill Chromer P.O. Box 172 Change of Address: Ifyou move, send the new address and Sec.: Beverly Naddeo Columbia, SC 29202 Treas.: Doris Berry phone number to the Membership Secretary, Bobby Clark. Reporter: Dick Price TREASURER Mike & Liz Barnhart S.O.W.N.Y. (SOUTHERN ONTARIO, 919 Lantern Glow Trail ADVERTISING WESTERN NY) ,., Dayton, OH 45431 Pres.: Mike Walter , Classified: 10¢ per word, $1.50 minimum. Vice Pres.: Stella Gilbert BOARD REPRESENTATIVES • All copy must reach the publisher by the 10th of the Sec.: Holly Walter No. Cal.: Howie Koff " preceding month. Payment must accompany order. Treas.: Carl Guhlow So. Cal.: Dick Rigg Reporter: Jan Drewniak Texas: Tom Beckett Make checks payable to: AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Midwest: Bill Eicher ROCKY MOUNTAIN Phila. Area: Mike Naddeo Display advertising Pres.: Larry Kerecman jeff Depp Vice Pres.: Roy Gorish S.O.W.N.Y.: Full page 7Y2"xl0" Rocky Mtn.: Dick Kroeckel $60.00 Sec.: Rae Burdette One-half page horizontal 7Y2"x4'.4" 30.00 " New Jersey: Bill Baab Treas.: Art Tarr Iowa: Alvin Johnson One-half page vertical 3%"x10" 30.00 Reporter: Jere DeBacker Boston Area: Sanford Libman One-fourth page vertical 35fo"x4'.4" 15.00 ,I NEW JERSEY " No. Lights: Trudy Maier I • Each photograph or half-tone $5.00 Pres.: Carl Thomsen Sierra-Nevada: Robert Moore Vice Pres.: Frank Thompson Chicago Area: ,', , • We recommend display advertisers supply camera Sec.: Linda H. Repsher ready copy. Copy that is oversized or undersized will Treas.: Bill Dean COMMITTEES be changed to correct size at your cost. We can pre Reporter: Richard Groman III Technical pare your advertisement from your suggested layout ,I, Mel Luchetti IOWA at cost. Pres.: Lee Zimmerline ,I 3449 Mauricia Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051 • All copy must reach the publisher by the 10th of the Vice Pres.: Stan Peters Sec./Treas.: Mary Lou Shimp Honorary Members preceding month. Reporter: AI Johnson Alf E. Werolin • Payment must accompany order. Typesetting, layout 2230 Oakdale Rd. BOSTON AREA or size alteration charges will be billed separately. Hillsborough, CA 94010 Pres.: William Koenigsberg ·1 Make checks payable to: AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Vice Pres.: Charles Hazard Archives Sec.: AI Greco • All ads will appear on the last pages of the Bulletin at Jim Wei sen borne Treas.: Philip Konop 73 Nevada St. the discretion of the publisher. Reporter: Donald Brown Rochester, MI 48063 Publication of business advertising in no way implies AMI NORTHERN LIGHTS AMICAGoals ", CA's endorsement of any commercial operation. However, Pres.: Gene Skarda Carole Beckett AMICA reserves the right to refuse any ad that is not in Vice Pres.: Steve Leppa '" 6817 Cliffbrook keeping with AMICA's general standards or if complaints are Sec./Reporter: Dorothy Olds Dallas, TX 75240 received indicating that said business does not serve the Treas.: Ron Olsen Audio-Visual best interests of the members of AMICA according to its SIERRA-NEVADA Howie Koff goals and bylaws. Pres.: Sonja Lemon ""II 2141 Deodara Dr. Vice Pres.: lim Taormina Los Altos, CA 94022 Sec./Treas.: Vickie Mahr Reporter: Lynne and Bill AFFILIATED SOCIETIES 1981 ANNUAL MEETING Pezzaglia The Player Piano Group Dallas, Texas CHICAGO AREA The North West Player Piano Pres.: Bob Taylor Association October 1-4 Vice Pres.: Mike Ehart Netherlands Mechanical Organ Sec.lReporter: Mike Schwimmer Society - KDV Treas.: Fred Schwimmer AMICA International
r - - -:::.;;; - - ., MEETING IN THE HEART OF !\ ,~"',.!
AMICA International March News Bulletin 1981 INDEX AMICA International . 31 People ...... 32 ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE: New rates for News from the Chapters . 38 display ads will go into effect with the May, 1981 Instruments . 47 issue. Full page ads will be $70, half page $35.00 Rolls and Music .... . 50 and quarter page $17.50. Revenue from advertis The Forum ...... ' 51 ing must be increased to help offset higher costs Original Bulletin articles, or material for reprint for all aspects of Bulletin publication. that is of significant historical quality and interest, are encouraged and will be rewarded in the form of AMICA membership dues discounts. (Chapter reports and Forum inquiries are excluded.) The Cover: This lovely lady is Marguerite Melville Liszniewska. See the article in this issue by Emmett Ford, who also furnished the picture.
- 31 - People
The following article was given to me by Louis Alter at the Convention in Pasadena, June 1980. D.E.
hattan life, haunting the speaks and other "in" places. and traipsing along streets lined with tenements and penthouses, observing, listening. and gathering the impressions he would translate into his musical labor of love. "Peopf&-who didn't live in New YOfi( in the 1920's wiD never know what a-truly magnifi cent place itwas,.. Altersaid. "Inspirational that's the best word to describe it h was boom city-Yibrant, ever-moving, untiring. "AdualIy. it was a slateof mind rather than a city, arid it attracted aJl. sorts of peopE be cause it was the i:iiJty place to be. To even consider mOYing to Connecticut, Jersey, or the Sunbett was unheard of. Why go there. for God's sake, when everything you wanted was here?" What emerged from his coIiection of up town, downtown sensations was a composi tion that could have had no other setting than New York. In fact, Alter is justifiably proud of the pr~given it by George Gershwin, him self no stranger to capturing the idioms ofthe Big Town in music. Upper East Side composer louis Alter, left, presents Gerald Mark~, a director of the "George once told me the 'Serenade' was Son~riters'Hall.of Fame, with a fjrst-edition proof of his "Manhattan Serenade" in one of his all-time favorites, and that he a recent ceremony at One Times Square. Photo Credit: F. G. VOgel wished he'd written it Then he added he might as well take credit for it, sirice every The Love Song of a Hard-Core New Yorker body assumed he had anyway." After its New York debut by Whiteman at By Frederick G. Vogel Broadway's Palace Theater in 1929, the piece became a staple with other concert hey say that New York City's near-de ing figure of Paul Whiteman, the redoubtable on:hestras and a popular exercise of young fault in 1975 turned many of its de "King .of Jazz" who had introduced Gersh piano 'pupils. Mer remembers their teachers T tractors into patriots who suddenly win's "Rhapsody in Blue" at New York's telling him that his composition goaded many realized that if the city went under, so might highly respectable Aeolian Hall in 1924. bored kiddies into keyboard diligence. They could practice the "Serenade," teachers rnost of the myriad glories associated with it. "For the next several years," Alter recalled the would promise, only after went There's ohe Upper East Sider who didn't recently in his Park Avenue apartment, "Paul but they have to be sofd on the importance of pre looked around for other composers to write through their Mozart and Beethoven routine. serving the New York mystique. He's been 'serious' jazz instrumentals for his orchestra. In succeeding years, the "5ecenade" was boosting it in music and speech for more than I'd written a hit sorrg called 'Blue Shadows' used as background music to identify New 50 years, and his fondness for his adopted that he liked very mUCh. So when I met him in York in the original 1933 "King Kong" and in city is undiminished by-lime. late 1927, he asked me to write a short piece 1972's "The Godfather." And old-time radio If the name of thie Big Apple super-pro about New York. fans, of course, will recall its 12-year service moter, Louis Alter, isn't all that familiar to you, "Frankly, I wasn't sure I could do it. Maybe I.. as the theme song tor the immenselypopular his New York-based songs surely are, par thought it was a little too ambitious for a "Easy A/::$" program starring Goodman and ticularly the one called "Manhattan Serenade." young fellow who had come to New York Janelv:;e. Originally a six-minute symphonic jazz in from Haverhill, Mass., only a few years ear Music remains a vital part of Mer's life strumental, it still ranks among the most lier. What did a New Ell.9land hick know today, as do memories of the.many super quickly recognizable of the dozens of musical about Manhattan?" stars he knew and helped along the way. compositions using New York as their inspi What the "hick" didn't know, he quickly People like Bing Crosby, for whom Mer ration. learned. To meet Whiteman's challenge and played the piano at the legendary crooner's Alter's reason for spending the first half of flesh out his sketch with the. authentic tones 1928 on the research and development pro of Gotham, Alter immersed himself in Man- gram that led to the "Serenade" is simplicity itself. It all centered on the portly, command- first test record for Columbia Records, and Louis Alter: born Tune 18, 1902, died November 3, 1980. Hon Noel Coward, whom Alter introduced to Nora orary Member of AMICA. When Louis came to the Conven Bayes, the person most responsible for tion in Pasadena in Tune of 1980, he delighted everyone with launching the brilliant Britisher's career. his performance during a piano salon time, as he played and Then there was Helen Morgan, to whom talked about the songs he composed for films. This was video Alter suggested she sit on the piano to steady taped. While in the Los Angeles area, with his son, Adam, he her nerves while performing, thereby estab showed him around old haunts. As indicated in the foregoing i.... hshing the singer's musical trademark. And clipping, Louis was active in preserving music mementos. g Beatrice Lillie, who also took his advice and Anyone around New York may go to the National Academy of switched from singing slow ballads to camp o::I: Popular Music's Songwriters' Hall of Fame. Louis was on the II: ing up such lively old English music hall tunes Board of Directors, and while at the Convention discussed c:( as "There ATe Fairies At the Bottom Of Our ~ with me at some length the idea of having a place for AMICA Garden," and embartted on a new career to house treasures of our special field of interest. Further z phase. details of Louis's life and music are in an excerpt from David But what about~, now so changed Ewen's book, Popular American Composers. I will send a copy ~ from the way it was when Songwriters' Hall of to anyone who requests it. It gives some idea of the rich II: ;:) Farner Alter first set foot in it? Does he like it. musical heritage left by Louis Alter. o problems and all? He smiled. "Remember that old song. ·It Had to Be You'? How does that line go ... Oh, yes, 'With all your faults, I love you stili. That's my answer." In short, the love affair between the com· poser and his Muse is as strong as ever
Gertrude Huntley her close association with many great artists of the day, by Alf Werolin such as Rosenthal, Paderewski, and others. She made her first appearance in England at Wigmore The AMICA Board of Directors recently voted unanim Hall, London, in 1927, and went on to play in Dresden, ously to confer Honorary Membership to former Am Berlin, Paris, and New York. She made a coast to coast pico Recording artist Gertrude Huntley. Her married tour in this country and Canada in 1926 and 1928, and name is Mrs. Jay Durand and she currently resides in was soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. 1930 and '31, and with the Montreal Orchestra in 1932. Our new Honorary Member studied under both In March of 1928 Gertrude Huntley recorded a Medtner Moszkowski and Godowsky and concertized through selection for the Ampico in New York: "Deux Contes," out the United States and Canada. She recorded Medt Op. 20 (Two Fairy Tales), No. I, B-Flat Minor (68671-G). ner selections for the Ampico in the late 1920's. It was chosen by the Ampico Selected Recordings Serv A warm welcome to Mrs. Durand as ourlatest Honorary ice Committee as the outstanding recording of the Member! month, and featured in their magazine and promotional materials. At the time she made this recording, Medt ner, the Russian composer, was considered by many to be one of the greatest living masters of music. His later works display the modern trend, but he was not unaware Gertrude Huntley - AMICA's New of melody and pleasing progressions. Ms. Huntley's re cording of this lovely piece, which is richly colored with Honorary Member romance, shows her rare virtuosity. by Alf Werolin Ms. Huntley chose for her secondary study the violin, and was a pupil of Paul Viardot and Albert Geloso in Honorary Member, Gertrude Huntley, is a true Cana Paris. Viardot was the son of the famous opera singer dian of English and Highland Scottish ancestry. Born in Pauline Viardot. St. Thomas, Ontario, she revealed at a very early age (In correspondence with Ms. Huntley she relates an extraordinary musical powers and an immense capacity amusing anecdote: "I left Viardot because Albert Geloso for study. Winning one honor after another as a young had a string quartet and Pierre Monteux (later Conduc music student, she went from the Conservatory of tor of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra) was the Music at London, Ontario, to Paris, where she became a viola player. I well remember one rehearsal to which I favorite pupil of the famous Polish teacher and com was invited. Saint Saens was playing his Quintette with poser Moszkowski. She made her European debut at the them. Chevillard (Conductor of the Lamoureux Or Salle Erard, Paris, when a pupil of Moszkowski. chestra) was turning the pages for Saint Saens. He had Later Ms. Huntley studied with Leopold Godowsky, been having eye trouble and turned two pages at once. both in England and America, and with Nicholas Medt Saint Saens was lost and became furiOUS, so I was asked ner in Germany. Her professional career was enriched by to turn the pages - and was I proud! Years later I met
- 33 - Monteux in San Francisco and he remembered the inci dent.") The music critics raved about Ms. Huntley's playing when she· performed on the concert stage. We quote from just one: "The loveliness of her touch, the lustre of her singing tone, and the cleanness, evenness and preci sion of her execution are fascinating. Above and beyond these cultivated gifts, the innate distinction and imagi native quality of her phrasing reveal profound musi cianship" - Hector Charlesworth, managing editor and a foremost musical critic of a Toronto paper. Gertrude Huntley is now Mrs. Jay Durand and lives in picturesque Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It is a pleasure to welcome her into AMICA to join our other distinguished Honorary Members.
{JERTnUDE J~(TlnTlr
AGENCE Emmanuel REY
MUSICALE J# II Dlrecteur II II 1)E 'PARIS 9, rue de I'Is/!I
, SALLE ERARD, 13, rue du Mail
Le Jeudi 5 Mars )908, a 9 heures du soir CONCERT d,pnni par MOO. Gertrude Huntley av~C I~ concours d~ M" Maurice Moszkowski ~t Rlbert Geloso
PROGRAMME 1. Sonate ell la tnineur pour Jliauo et noiOD . SCHUMANN M'" G. HUNTLEY et Mr A. G~LOSO
2. Sonate op. 26 en la bimol.. BEETHOVBN Mil. G. HUNTLEY
3. al Novelette N' 2 , . SOHUMANN b} ell Btude mi majeur . ·CHOPIN c) Bt.de ell n bemol . j Mil. G, HUNTLEY t. a) Romance8 8an8 parole8 N°~ . MBNDELSSOHN b} Guitare . c} Btude en la bimol...... MAURICE MOSZKOWSKI d} La .Iongleuae . e} Rbap80die, N' " . LISZT M'" G. HUNTLEY
5.
PRIX DES PLAr.ES: Fauteulls de Parquet 1.0 fro - Fauteulle de I'" Galerie 5 fro Fauteulle de 2- Galerie 3 fro
Billets .. I'avance : ; .. la SALLEERARD, .3, rue du Mail; chu M" DURAND at FILS Editeun de Musique, 4. place de la Madeleine et L GRUS 8< C', place Saint-Augustin.
Gertrude Huntley'S debut concert in Paris
- 35 - Leo Podolsky Everything went according to schedule from his prompt New Honorary Member arrival, the quiet dinner just down the street, and then a concert of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Again a coinci by All E. Werolin dence: that evening was Ricardo Muti's first concert as Music Director. The concert was an historic one, and it AMICA's Board has voted unanimously to confer Hon was a privilege to attend it with a distinguished orary Membership status to Ampico Recording Artist musicologist. Leo Podolsky. Before going out to dinner, Abram insisted on playing Mr. Podolsky was locatedand proposed byEmmett Ford, my 1919 George Steck upright and 1937 Weber baby who is preparing a biography of this distinguished con grand. After playing the Weber, he remarked, "What a cert pianist. It will appear soon in the Bulletin. Our new lovely Knabe." I told him that the plate said "Weber/' Honorary Member was born in Russia in 1894 and but it was so late in the history of American Piano toured extensively - particularly in the Far East. Company that it was probably a multi-purpose plate. He In 1928 he recorded Szymanowski's Prelude, Op. I, laughed and said that he remembered going to East No. 7 for the Ampico. Rochester in the late 1930's as a guest of the President of the American Piano Company, Mr. Wulsin. Mr. Wulsin We are pleased and honored to welcome Leo Podolsky to asked Abram to play six pianos that were each to get a the AMICA family of eminent musicians who contrib different brand name attached to them - but they were uted so much to our avocation. all identical pianos. The program the evening Abram and I attended the concert was Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 25 withAlicia de Larrocha as the soloist, and Scriabin's Symphony No.1 with the Mendelssohn Club Choir. Two well known composers but rarely performed works - two curious choices. The performances were not inspired. Abram suggested that Muti had something to learn about Mozart but the orchestra positively shown, com Abram Chasins Visits Philadelphia pared to Larrocha, who just went through the motions. When we heard the Scriabin, it became obvious whyit is by Robert M. Taylor so seldom performed. (This was the first performance in the 81 years of the Orchestra.) With six movements it is There is great fortune when you just happen to be in the about two movements.. too long. By the time the chorus right place at the right time and meet some extraordi comes in, part way through the sixth movement one is nary person. At the time of the AMICA Convention in exhausted with expectation. "What would Stokie think Pasadena it happened that I had rented an automobile of this orchestra/' Abram wondered aloud to me. How and knew the Los Angeles area - and had the time to they desperately need full time leadership to be restored pick up AMICA Honorary Member Abram Chasins at to the pre-eminent position in American music. Abram his Brentwood apartment. reflected on the twenty-two concerts that he had played As Jim Weisenborne and I drove him back to his apart with the orchestra. ment after the Banquet he invited us to join him for I must quote from the review by Daniel Webster refreshments and conversation. The hour we spent in (AMICA member Steve Johnson's brother-in-law) who conversation amazed us with the range of erudition and titled the review "Even His Mozart was New." A quota entertainment to be experienced when in the company tion from the review will suggest the fine sense of of Abram. The years at Curtis, on tour, with station humor thatDaniel Webster has. "... Itwas a rare casein WQXR, andafter retirement from WQXR, the invitation which the orchestra was far more interesting than the to join the faculty at the University of Southern Califor soloist, who rather clumped through the piece, oblivi nia (where he worked to make KUSC the great classical ous to the rather splendid comments from the instru music radio station that it isl and his work with Na ments. It was as if the orchestra were singing, 'I love tional Public Radio. you/ to someone in the balcony who says from behind Abram learned that I live only five blocks from Curtis her fan, 'Let's get something to eat.'" and across the street from the Academy of Music where During the evenIng's conversation, Abram asked if I had the Philadelphia plays. It was, then, natural for us to any plans to come to New York while he was east. plan that if he ever passed through Philadelphia he Abram's wife, Miss Constance Keene, was planning a might give me the opportunity to entertain him. During master class of her piano students. It was impossible to a subsequent exchange of letters, he said that he had to decline an invitation like that. go to Washington to meet with officials of National (The interesting account ofthat class will appearin the Public Radio and would be able to stop in Philadelphia April issue of the Bulletin. - D. B.) on the way back to New York. Marguerite Melville Liszniewska in E Major was performed in 1901 in Berlin, it was characterized as "... in every way the finest and grand by Emmett M. Ford est chamber music composition that has been written since Brahms." (Musical Courier) Her friends said she was a poet, an artist, a musician and When Ignace Paderewski died she wrote a poem in a beautiful flower which gave joy to the soul and left a honor of his memory. precious memory. They spoke of Marguerite Melville Liszniewska. Prince among men, Power compelling, Artist incomparable, all sorrows telling, This talented pianist was born in New York, April 17, Dreamer and poet whose messages climb 1879. She was the daughter of Charles W. Melville and Ethereal heights through feelings sublime. Mary Theresa Hughes. Romantic figure for all future ages, When fifteen years of age she came to the attention of Eminent scholar with wisdom of sages, William Steinway who sent her to Berlin at his expense Wizard of keyboard, with magic hand, to study with Ernest Jedliczka. Her study in composi Savior of Poland, his beloved land. tion was with O. B. Boise. In 1904 she studied with King of pianists, thy flag is unfurled Leschetizky and later became his first assistant who In the pap;es of history, in the heart of the world. prepared his pupils for their weekly sessions with the Her death was in Cincinnati, March 7, 1935. In 1936 a master. As far as her son knows she never finished high memorial scholarship at the Cincinnati Conservatory of school nor attended college but was entirely self Music was established, listed as Marguerite Melville educated. She spoke fluent German and French as well Liszniewska Music Club. The scholarship no longer as some Polish and Italian. exists. Her first public performance was in the Bechstein Au She recorded two Ampico rolls, "Serenade in 0 Minor" ditorium in Berlin, 1897. Her London debut was in 1910. of Rubinstein (67631-F) and "Fantasiestucke Op. 12" Concerts were given inthe principalcities ofEurope and (Fabel) by Schuman [62611-H).4 a notable concert was given in London with the Queens Hall Orchestra conducted by Sir Henry Wood. 1. Dr. Karol Liszniewska was a pianist whose career ended In November of 1914 she gave a concertfor the benefit of with a hand injury and he took up law. He was with the Polish the Red Cross in New York. In May of 1913 inVienna she Legation in Washington for several years until called to join gave a charity concert under the patronage of Princess the faculty of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in 1922. Montenuovo. The orchestra was conducted by Oskar The Polish Government bestowed upon him the Officer's Nedbal and the other soloist on the program was Pablo Cross of Polonia Restituia in recognition of his work in furth ering the knowledge and appreciation of Polish Music and Art. Casals. After the concert she was presentedto the Grand His death was in 1958. Duke Karl Franz Josef and his wife, Zita. (The Grand 2. Her son, Jan W. had his name Anglicized to John and Duke later became Emperor of Austria on the death of adopted his mother's maiden name. He is an attorney in Cin his father.) cinnati, Ohio. Her American tour was in the season of 1915-16, in many 3. Deceased 1958. U.S. cities andwithvarious orchestras undermanygreat 4. Her son knew of the Schumann recording of Ampico but conductors such as Ysaye and Reiner. Some of the cities does not recall roll #67631-F, which Ampico may not have where she played were Cincinnati, Detroit, New York, released. Chicago, Boston, Omaha, Minneapolis and the Hol lywood Bowl; all performances were well accepted. My thanks and appreciation to John Melville for his In December, 1926 she played for President and Mrs. cooperation in supplying the major portion of this arti Coolidge in the White House. She married Dr. Karol cle and the loan and use of the photograph of his mother. Liszniewska1 in 1908 and there were two children of the 2 marriage, a son , John, and a daughter, Elizabeth Josse lyn.3 In 1920 she became a member of the faculty of the Hughes M. Ryder, 1918-1980 Cincinnati Conservatory, remaining there until her death (1935). Master classes were taught in the 1920's by Dorothy Bromage and 1930's in San Francisco, Hollywood, Seattle, Washington, Portland and other areas. We have learned of the death of Hughes Ryder on November 10 of a sudden heart attack. Hughes held She composed a number of songs, a "Romanza" in F for various positions in the Musical Box Society: Vice violin and piano and a "Sonata in G Minor" for violin President, President, Chairman of the East Coast Chap and piano which was dedicated to Henri Marteau who ter, Trustee, and, at the time of his death, Treasurer of performed it in Switzerland and later in New York. The MBSL Hughes conducted tours to Europe, England and violin sonata had been performed in Berlin by Daniel Germany, for MBSI members. As an example of his Visanska with Marguerite at the piano. A Piano Quintet thoroughness, Hughes went to Europe prior to the first in F Major was composed and premiered in 1917 by the tour, rented a car, and drove the entire route to be sure Baltimore Quartet. the proposed schedule was practicable, making first She had given a concert with the Berlin Philharmonie hand arrangements as he went along. Orchestra in a program consisting of three concertos Persons who wish to make a memorial contribution Beethoven No.5, Chopin F Minor and Saint-Saens - all may make a Hughes Ryder Memorial contribution to in one evening which was a tour-de-force. This program the MBSI Museum Fund, a cause that the family feels was repeated later in London. When the Piano Quintet would be appropriate. -37- News from the Chapters
PHILADELPHIA AREA
Christmas Meeting by Dick Price
WHEREAS Len and Debbie Wert (see picture) kindly opened their house on Saturday evening December 20th 1980 to us again for the annual party and WHEREAS They provided entertainment in the form of Wurlitzer factory representative and organist Mr. Mike Mixon [sic] (see picture) who played on Len's super new top-of the-line Wurlitzer 950-THA organ and Mike Mixon, Factory Representative of Wurlitzer Co. WHEREAS We provided each other with delicious food to comple ment the Werts' open bar and WHEREAS We also provided each other with some funny and some curious gifts (see the picture of Claire Lambert holding up one of Clark Cressman's metal piano sculptures) and WHEREAS There was general good fellowship BE IT RESIGNED AND ENACTED THAT WE, the undersigned, wishing to share our good fortune and good times with all other AMICA members, wish you a happy new year, good collecting, and much shar ing of music and ideas. Len & Debbie, Mike & Bev, John & Doris, Lee & Claire, Clarke & Faye, Mac & Sandy, Paul & Linda, Bob R., Bob T., Dick, Sam, John & Rita, Larry & Maryann, Jessee & Barbara, Bill & Ruth, Ron & Gloria, Frank, Martha, Stephanie, & Elliot, Dave & Pat, Bob & Barb, Dale, Matt, Mary Ann Cornell in background. Claire Lambert pleased Frank & Judy, David. with Christmas gift - a Clark Cressman sculpture
Mike Mixon, Larry Cornell, Fay Cressman, Rita Prinscou and Dr. Len Wert, Angus, and Debbie Wert Clark Cressman
- 38 - Virginia Cheshire and fohn Walsh NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Meeting at the Wilcox Home by lack Edwards
The January meeting of the Northern California Chap ter was held at the Richmond home of Bob and Margaret Wilcox. A goodly amount of loyal AMICAns arrived at the Wilcox's to find a Hamilton Welte-Mignon grand, beautifully restored by Bob over a period of four years, and a Morton Brothers English pumper that provided entertainment for those who have expressive feet, and who prefer to jog while sitting down. Bob and Margaret have one room devoted to mechanical fun that includes a child's train that will play up to nine tunes or more depending on the player's imagination, and depending on the way a person would program the ties in the rail road track. They also have a Tuneyville player piano, which is really a music box with interchangable discs, but the keys work too, and an automatic miniature Bob Wilcox and Elmer Klein bought at the Pasadena convention on our visit to the
Mary Riffle, Reba fones, fohn Walsh, Elmer Klein Wes Cavett
- 39- Beranger Studios. Bob had several piano restorations going on in his garage to complete his collection. S.O.W.N.Y. A short business meeting was chaired by President phil McCoy. Highlights included the announcement of the International bOal'd meeting to be held in New Orleans, the transfering of visual materials to video tape for more S.Q.W.N.Y. Chapter Project Completed accessibility by the chapters, and the announcement of future meetings: the February meeting to be held in San by Tim Brewer Francisco at the home of Jim Ponder, and the March meeting at Howie and Isadora KoH's. The S.O.W.N.Y. Chapter Amherst Museum project was finished in the early part of November. The piano resto ration was pretty straight-forward. It had been "patched" several times in the past, but had never really been "butchered up." Mike Walter rebuilt the pump, motor, J and several of the expression components. Jim Brewer rebuilt the upper pneumatic action. Bill Hatzenbuhler really went above and beyond the call of duty to tune, regulate, and put all the rebuilt parts back into the piano. The restoration turned out quite nicely, and the museum is really proud of the piano. The piano gets quite a bit of use. It is demonstrated during the guided tours, and for any visitor who wishes to hear it. It is always a joy to see a player that is appreciated. There will be a plaque installed on the piano giving our chapter credit for the restoration. This is a great way to give AMICA a greater exposure to the general public. The following paragraph was in a brochure of the Amherst Museum. Birthday girl, Phyllis McCoy AMICA to the rescue How we love to tell stories with happy endings! One particular highlight of the meeting was the celebra Six years ago Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Prell do tion of Phyllis McCoy's birthday. One wcmders how nated a Stroud pianola (roll player piano, with such a young girl, barely out of her teens, would get Aeolian action, if you please) to .the Museum. herself attatched to a man of such advanced years, such With its repertoire of period QRS paper rolls and as Phil. the aid of some enthusiastic pumping feet, the AMICAns stayed into the wee small hours enjoying the piano entertained Museum-goers by the hun instruments, the food, the company, and especially the dreds. All you needed to hear was the chimes hospitality of our hosts Bob and Margaret Wilcox. from "It's Three O'clock in the Morning" to be awash in nostalgia. But then a creeping case of "The Old Piano Roll Blues" beset our pianola. Something about leaky bellows, bad bridle straps and assorted glitches made for a pumping situa- tion that would have defeated Arnold Schwar zenegger. And then the heroes arrived. AMICA, short for Automated Musical Instrument Collec- tors Association, an organization that specializes in overhauling automated instruments for non profit groups, revitalized the Mus..~pianola. AMICA-members Mike Walter, Bill I-fatien- -- -- buhler, and Jim Brewer spent about 50 hours cur- ing those Piano Roll Blues. Hatzenbuhler is a professional piano and organ technicianj Walter is a librarian for the Town of Cheektowaga library systemj and Brewer is a Harrison Radiator machinist. Our tuneful thanks for reviving one of our most popular artifacts. So - come serenade the Museum with us. Our pumps or yours.
- 40- ONE MORE TIME - Finishing 50 hours -o.f repair work on a tired old Stroud roll player piano at the Old Amherst Colony,· Museum Park in East Amherst are Mike Walter, seated, Bill Hatzenbuhler, le~and J4m Brewer. 50 Hours of Work Keeps Player Piano Rolling Along Six years ago, Mr. and Mrs. awash in nostalgia," recaJls in ovel'hauling automated Donald· R. Prell donated a Jan Low of the museum staff. instruments. Stroud pianola - 1'011 playel' But then a creeping case of The three men donated 50 piano with Acolian action if you "The Old Piano Rol1 Blues" set hours of their time to cllre want to get technical ...:... to the in - "leaky bel1ows, bad bridle those piano 1'011' blues so that Old Amherst Colony Museum straps and assorted glitches," museum visitors can be sere Park in East Amherst. Mrs. Low says - and the grand naded from 2 to 4 p.m. each With period QRS paper rol1s old pianola fel1 silent. Sunday in December. and enthusiastic pumping feet, Then the heroes arrived Mr. Hatzenbuhier is a .prof~ the piano entertained hundreds Mike Walter, Bill Hatumbuhler sional (>iano and orgqn techni of museum visitors. and Jim Brewer of the Auto cian, Mr. Walter is a librarian "AI1 you needed to hear was mated Musical Instrument Col in Cheektowaga and M1< the chimes from 'It's Three leCtors Association. Brewer is a machinist at HaITi O'Clock In the Morning' to be The organimtion specialileS son Radiator.
- 41 - Gala Christmas Party by Tim Brewer
Mike and Holly Walter were the hosts for our 1980 Christmas party held on December 13th. As is usually the case, the house was in a flurry of activity, getting the food organized, and most important getting the mixers all set!!! After the social hour the ballots were counted from the recent election, and the new officers were introduced. Elected were: President - Mike Walter Vice President - Stella Gilbert Secretary - Holly Walter Treasurer - Carl Guthlow Board Rep. - Jeff Depp Reporter - Janet Drewniak After elections, the Convention Committee gave their report as to the feasibility of hosting the 1982 conven Group enjoying dinner tion. After much deliberation, it was decided to forego hosting the convention. The main reason being it would be impossible for Buffalo to put her "best foot foreward" at that time. The city is in the midst of being torn up for goodies. Relaxing over cheesecake and coffee, the gifts the construction of a new light rail rapid transit system. were brought out for the annual rip-off gift exchange. Also, it is almost certain that Casino gambling will be at Choosing gifts by number, a person has the option of Niagara Falls before too long, which I'm sure would be a choosing a gift from the pile, or ripping off someone drawing card for many distant members to attend. After else's gift. Things were getting pretty hectic with the taking care of other matters, the business m.eeting was "battle of the booze" which turned out to be the most adjourned, and the movie screen was set up for a show contested presents. Carolyn Ostrzynski got the bargain ing of a movie short, Those Amazing Musical Machines. of the night though, a stunning piano roll, "Semper At the end of the movie, the food was set up, and before Peramas March." you knew it the groaning table was emptied of its
Janet Drewniak, Rick Drewniak, Carol Hannon, Earl Gilbert selecting gift. Onlookers are Ed Group, Carl Guhlow Holly Walter, Bruce Bartholomew, Fred Buch_aweldt, Chuck Hannon
- 4: Soon a recomposed Molly was back on stage as the piano was rerolling and she explained that the beautiful selec tion we had heard had been recorded by Paderewski about 60 years ago, and though he's been dead for 40 years his expression, dynamics, and touch on every key stroke in that selection has been forever preserved without any deterioration, needle scratch, tape hiss, wow, or flutter present in all other types of recorded music. This indeed was live music! As the many pieces in the program were played by the Steinway, Molly explained AMICA and the part these reproducers played in the homes and lives of only the very rich in the flapper and hip flask era, as the cost of the reproducer was several times the annual salary of the man on the street - and how the entire player piano i,ndustry reeled under the impact of the new phonograph and radio and died with the depression in the early 1930's. Molly's low waisted dress was apropros to the Rick Drewniak and Carol Ostosky occasion and the frosting on the cake was the costume change after the intermission. All too quickly the night passed, and it was time to start thinking of getting the car warmed up for the ride home. The violinist, Bruce Simpson, supported his music on a Cleaning the snow off the car and saying the last "Merry fantastic antique ebony music stand furnished by Christmas," we headed for home. Molly. The stand was made from fancy turned spindles in 19th century mode and included two candle stands, one on each side, with figured red glass shades. (No, the candles were not lit. What a lost opportunity for a bit of MIDWEST nostalgic flair!) Bruce Simpson told of the long dead violin virtuoso Pagannini's stunt at concerts where he would tune his violin just before playing and accidentally (on purpose) Steinway Duo-Art Concert break 3 of the 4 violin strings, but in desperation born of at the tradition that the show must go on, would then play the selection listed in the program on the remaining G Henry Ford Museum Theatre string. So Bruce then proceeded to "break" (ignorel3 of Dearborn, Michigan, Nov. 9, 1980 his strings and played the same selection Pagannini did on the G string only - accompanied by the Duo-Art. by A. Petaja Bruce also soloed to an accompaniment roll "Adora tion" recorded by a then young Robert Armbruster. This Midwest AMICA put its best actress forward, rather its was indeed a treat to hear a Duo-Art piano/live violin best actress stepped forward, and presented to the public duet. Bruce later told me of the reversed roles as nor on Nov. 9, 1980 a Duo-Art Steinway concert together sol~ist, ~ mally the piano accompanist follows the but with '.'iolin soloist accompanying the Duo-Art. Nearly here it was the soloist who had to follow the piano. 300 VISItors at the historic Henry Ford museum theatre Bruce mentioned something about Molly having had a were spellbound by that marvelous machine that played duty to perform at the tempo lever on the Duo-Art, but the piano like a human. declined to elaborate. Our star who made the presentation (fulfilling AMICA We AMICAns who were there (many drove over 200 charter provisions to provide free public performances 1p.iles to make it) are proud of ourstarwho demonstrated featuring mechanically actuated instruments) was none delightful stage presence. It was a thoroughly enjoy other than our own Molly Yeckley. As the "curtain" a able performance and Molly added many nostalgic ref opened Molly went straight to the piano and started erences to the beautiful music that these reproducing playing. Since we all know that Molly is an ac pianos can relive from the departed (and some yet living) c?mplished pianist we thought that she was going to artists who created the music on the rolls. gIve us a manual demonstration of the Steinway. Then she started to cough, but the playing went on uninter When all was over the audience was invited to the stage rupted. The coughing got worse and she put her hand to to get a closer look at this restored antique still . her mouth, but the playing kept on. The jig was up and functioning music machine and ask questions. A large an "embarrassed" Molly got up and scampered from the number responded and more rolls were played and it stage. She had been foiled in her attempt to fool the turned into a good 01' AMICA meeting - what more public. The Duo-Art had been playing all the time. could you ask.
- 43- HISTORICALCONCERTSERIES
Sunday, November 9, 1980 3:30 pm Molly Yeckley teaches private piano in Castalia. Ohio and is a member of the midwest chapter of the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Molly Yeckley Association. Shehas served on the executive board of this group, and is and the Duo-Art Steinway Reproducing Piano also a board memberof the WesternReservePiano TeachersGuild. with Bruce Simpson. violin soloist In addition to collecting reproducing pianos as a hobby, Ms. Yeckley has found them to be an invaluable aid in the teaching of advanced Scherzo In C-Shai;) Minor. Opus39 Chopin students, both from a historical perspective and as examples of current and exaggeratedtechniques. Ms. Yeckley has made it a practice to Intermezzo In Octaves.Opus44. NO.4 Leschetizky interview those surviving artists of the era wherever and whenever Played by OSSI~Gabrilowitsch possible. Liebesleld Kreisler Bruce Simpsor violin With the aid of her own Steinway Duo-Art, Ms. Yeckley expects to Accompanlrnen:played by GeorgesEnesco present an all-Gabrilowitsch program at OrchestraHall in Detroit in February. 1981,as a fund raiser for the preservation of the hall. Scherzo in S-Fla: Minor opus 31 Chopin Played by Josef Hofmann ·Bruce H, Simpson.violinist. is a native of Dearbornand was in the first class of the GreenfieldVillage Schools, which started in 1929.He began La Soiree dans Grenade Debussy playing the violin as a boy and on many occasions played for Mr. Henry Playedby E. Robert Schmitz Ford during services held in the Martha-Mary Chapeleach school day. Valse in A Major, Op39 Brahms Mr. Ford encouragedBruceto play the violin, and introduced him to his Bruce Simpson, violin first violin teacher, Mr. GeorgeJackson of the Detroit Symphony Accompanimentplayed by Andre Benoist Orchestra. who had studied with the renownedLeopold Auer. Mr. Ford provided further encouragementby loaning him a fine old Italian violin Polonaisein A-Flat Opus53 Chopin Played by Josef Hofmann during high'school years. Mr. Simpsoncontinued his violin studies while attending Michigan INTERMISSION State University and the University of Illinois, and most recently studied with Mischa Mischakoff. former concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony "Music for the Smart Set' A Popular Song of the 1920's Orchestra. He is a charter memberof the DearbornSymphonyOrchestra and formerly played with the Plymouth Symphony. Professionally, Mr. Hungarian DanceNo.6 Brahms "Playedby Harold Bauer Simpson is an executive engineerwith the Ford Motor Company. Adoration Borowski TheDuo-Art reproducing mechanismplays the piano from specially cut Bruce Simpson violin rolls and reproducesvery accurately the playing of the artist who Accompanimentplayed by RobertArmbruster originally made the roll. Every dynamic level and change of tempo, as well as the accenting or bringing-out of the melodic line is possible. TheCat and the Fiddle. Selections Kern & Harbach Becauseof such accurate reproduction this system is often the best 1. Try to Forget 2. Poor Pierrot record available of many of the fine pianists of the early 20th century. 3. SheDidn't Say "Yes" 4. The Night Was Madefor Love This instrument. fully restored, was given to the Henry Ford Museum Played by Muriel Pollock recently by the family of SamuelD. Jacobson, M.D.
Prelude.Opus12. No.7 Prokofieff Playedby Sergei Prokofieff Benediction of Godin The Solitude Liszt Played by Alexander Siloti Christmas Meeting Dec. 6-7, 1980 by A. Petaja
AMICAns, like postmen, are not threatened by rain and fog and on Dec. 6, 23 of them sloshed through hundreds of miles of it to get to the Leedys in Coloma, Michigan, on the southwest coast of Michigan. Visiting the Leedys is like going to a family reunion as there are 5 of them. Together with offspring and spouses, this brings the number to nine. They live in three adjoin ing houses on three huge lots backed up by some 20 acres of woodland. The Leedys know how to live and enjoy one another. Sharing one set of wood cutting machines (they have combination oil and wood fur naces), garden and lawn tools, snow plowing equipment, Bennet Leedy, Chuck Cayo and Alvin Wulfekuhl listen to and one piano repair shop, they live in style. Chuck's upright Kimball Welte Licensee before the business The Saturday night Dec. 6 meeting convened at the meeting at Chuck's house. home of the Leedy parents, Walter and Marion, whose home is chock full of antiques and curios from bygone days. The home itself grew like Topsy from a one-room grandparent's summer cottage to a ten-room expanse in stages over the decades. The original room, now the dining room, has doors in each wall that lead off to the additions. French doors lead to the wood panelled music room addition containing three reproducing recently tuned grand pianos. (One of the great pleasures of AMICA meetings is the recently tuned pianos you hear.) The three pianos were a Haines Bros. art case Ampico, a Weber Duo-Art, and a Kurtzman Welte. The Kurtzman Welte had been completely restored including a new sounding board. It looked great in ebony and sounded very very nice. The 3 pianos were in constant action, serially that is, and many "new" oldies surfaced in the huge roll collection. The lids of the Haines and Weber were closed providing space for extensive Christmas scenes in miniature. The scene on the Weber was laid on a heavily figured shawl that had a 20's look. Liz Barnhart, Barry and Bennet Leedy, Mike Barnhart, and Brenda Leedy (behind Mike) enjoy the Kurtzmann Welte The highlight of the evening was a vocal performance by (lower right corner) while tbe Leedy cat, Bernadine, enjoys Brenda Leedy accompanied by the Haines Ampico. Mike's lap.
Brenda, a music (voice) major at Western Michigan Uni versity performed two selections beautifully: "Dawn in the Forest" and "Per LaGloria D'Adorarvi." Although hard core purists (AMICAn hotheads) may wince at this - the Weber Duo-Art sounds great with its pump installed remotely in the basement, hanging on flexible straps from the ceiling. Basementless Califor nians take note and weep. The Buffet supper was well laid-on with Christmas goodies. The cookie tray featured cookies labeled "Duo-Art" and "Welte." Center of activity was the large round dining room table that seated many eaters and a full retinue of non-eaters all evening long- coming and going - and buzzing, buzzing. Just like a family gather ing. Barry Leedy and Molly Yeckley enjoy visiting with old The kitchen addition contained a transplanted stained friends.
- 45 - glass window, and the massive utility room was the scene of a rolls for sale shop with a special feature - play it before you buy it. The Leedy home held no end of surprises - the com plete lapidiary (rock) shop with all the machinery for cutting, grinding, and polishing ornamental and jewelry stones, operated by lapidist Marion Leedy. Lying around were many Petoskey stones, the native stone of Michi gan and named the Michigan Stone in official archives.
During the evening AMICAns visited the other two Leedy homes and listened to more pianos: A Steck Duo-Art and Armstrong 88 note at Bill and Diane's and 'a Foster Marquee upright foot pump Ampico and a Wheelock upright Duo-Art at Bob and Regenia's. The Sunday morning Dec. 7 business meeting was held at the home of Chuck Kayo, a pretty two story modern Reg Leedy, Eleanore and Henry Michelfelder listen to Chuck's house on the top of the highest hill in the area accessed Welte during the brunch-social hour. by a narrow steep hillside road that frightens many visitors and isolates the Kayos come the heavy winter storms. The house has a high deck on two sides and the say) at some future time. I will try to work out a time view is magnificent. Here we heard a Kimball Welte with Marantz for a two day seminar in either Detroit or upright and a 1911 Packard upright. Rochester, Michigan, hopefully on a Friday and Satur New officers were elected for the Midwest Chapter: day orSaturday and Sunday some time in March or April President Jim Weisenborne, Vice President Ed Joswick, 1981. I need a card or phone call from all the people who and Secretary Tim Needler. Reelected were Interna have preViously told me that they want to attend a tional Board Rep Bill Eicher, Treasurer Al WulfekuW, seminar, to reaffinn their interest in attending an April and Reporter Ahti Petaja. or May seminar. I need this information to assure The Pianocorder Seminar which was to be held in De Marantz of an adequate number of attendees. If I don't troit on Nov. 8, 1980 was cancelled when it was learned hear from you I will assume that you are no longer by this reporter, who is organizing the seminar, that the interested. My phone is 313-651-8336 and address is 202 Marantz representative who was to conduct the seminar Winry, Rochester, Mich. 48063. As soon as arrange- . would not be available on that date. Marantz is willing ments are complete you will be notified. The seminar is to conduct a 2-day seminar (one day is inadequate they free. Travel and motel is on you.
Bennet Leedy, Mike and Fred Schwimmer in a serious discus Brenda Leedy warming up for her solo accompanied by the sion of piano rolls and music. Haines Brothers Ampico.
- 46- Instruments
Perpendicular Pianoforte by fohn Grant You Know
I thought the membership might be interested in seeing You're an AMICAn this picture which was on the front of a postcard sent to me by Frank Holland several years ago. That the piano when ... can be played "in a most natural and convenient man ner" is certainly open to argument. Somebody mentions Thomas From a technical and construction viewpoint it must be A. Beckett and you think of quite a curious instrument. The lowest note is obvi Dallas, not England. ously an A, but the highest note (assumed to be the - Jack Edwards bottom note on the mirror image keyboard) is also an A, therefore the probable compass is 85 notes. Since a total of 106 keys are visible there would seem to be an "over lap" of 21 notes which can be played from either keyboard. I would guess that there are separate strings NOTE: Contributions for this feature and hammers for these notes as the mechanics allow are encouraged. two different hammers to hit the same set of strings from opposite directions would be extremely compli cated. If he still has this piano maybe Frank would consider providing some more technical detail on it for us.
Paradise Lost or Violano Revisited by Herb Stockinger
Thirty four years ago the Army assigned me to work in a small town in western Pennsylvania. While there I heard of a strange mechanical instrument stored in Marta Pessi's barn. I went to look at it and it was a Mill's Violano complete with instruction manual-"back the wagon to the curb and secure the horse," etc. Being broke, as were most military personnel, I made a modest offer for this strange instrument which bulged my eyes in wonderment. My offer was refused. This past September, while in Pennsylvania, I decided to go looking for "my" Violano. On reaching the village I found the barn had been gone for years - and Marta Perpendicular Pianoforte with it. The patent, No. 2597, relating to this instrument was taken I visited myoid landlady, Mrs. Jackson, and found her out on 28th June 1978 by William Henry Percival of 23 hale and hearty in her mid-eighties. No, she did not Westbourne Villas, Bayswater in the County of Middlesex. know of any music boxes or mechanical music instru "The novelty and advantage of this instrument is that it is ments in town. But wait, farmer Poulson up on the hill, very small and light and can be played by the performer in a where you come in to town, had a contraption with mostnatural and convenient mannerwith onehand on either drums that he used to put on a truck for parades. side, on the right for the treble and on the left for the bass, and can sing to its accompaniment facing the audience". Bright and early the next morning I found farmer Poul British Piano eV Musical Museum, Brentford, Middlesex. son in his farmyard and introduced myself. "I hear you've got a band organ," I said.
- 47- // "Nope," came the reply, "but I do have a Violano." Ode to an Exquisite Art Case "Whose, Marta Pessi's?" I asked. Reproducing Grand Piano "Yup!" came the reply - I had found "myII Violano! "Would you be interested in selling it?1I I inquired by Trudy A. Maier timorously. The carved case was beautiful "Nope, but would you like to see it?1I he asked. I had lost The pin plank was fine. "myII Violano again. The artists bench was a thing I was taken into the old farm house. The kitchen had a That would comfort the spine. frieze of Delft clocks and the walls of each room were The rolls were as mint covered with clocks from floor to ceiling, including the As when they were bought. stairway and landing - all working. And the fallboard acted There in one corner was IImyll long lost Violano. I As fallboards ought. stroked it a few times, brushed away a tear, and bid The strings were as bright good-by. As the stars in the sky. Again in the fall breeze in the farmyard, the farmer And the ivories and ebonies admitted that he did have a Dutch Band Organ in the Were a treat to the eye. cow barn but made no offer to show it to me. In a trice I sat at the bench Maybe next year? - Who knows what his answer will Sans delay. be. Only one thing was lacking, Only the names have been changed to protect the inno It just wouldn't play. cent - and liMY" Violano.
Upholding Music in India by Emmett M. Ford
Comtesse Helena Morsztyn was on a tour and while she was in India she was invited by the Maharaja of K~pur thala to play some works of Chopin for the Maharaja and his wedding guests. She received many invitations from crowned heads and alternated her time between concert halls and royal palaces. Once enroute to a concert hall she was surprised to see a piano which appeared to be coming towards her on no less than twenty-eight legs. There were fourteen heads supporting her Steinway from beneath. The picture shows the grand piano with its three legs (and possibly the pedal lyre) attached to the piano, being carried on the heads of Indian women. It can truly be said the women of India are certainly IISUp porters" of music. ~ i r t 11 I' ~.
Silentium. Introduzionp.
/ / I:,
\d.'~io ('on Sl'ntilllt'llto Piano.
Fuga t..IcI dia\ ulu.
Final.' fUl'iuso. llravo-bravissillHl.
Contributed by Terry Smythe. - 49- Rolls andMusic
Organ Rolls
This photograph was contributed by Victor Zuck [in foregroundL Honorary Member now living in Pennsyl vania. It shows Professor Heinz Wunderlich, Organist and Choirmaster of St. Jacobi Church, Hamburg, Ger many. He is registrating a difficult organ composition. Victor Zuck is perforating the registration of organ to nalities on the machine in his studio.
THAT SPECIAL ROLL
Duo-Art # 702 "He's So Unusual" James Weisenborne 73 Nevada St. Rochester, MI 48063 Ampico or 88-Note "Franklin Roosevelt March" George Apland 601 Maple Muscatine, Iowa 52761 CAN YOU HELP JIM AND GEORGE FIND THAT SPECIAL ROLL? IS THERE A SPECIAL ROLL YOU WANT? Send as much information as you can to Dorothy Bromage, Pub lisher, AMICA News Bulletin, P.O. Box 287, La Habra, CA 90631. To enjoy 1/I11SU: yOIt have got 10 make it
Contributed by Dick Merchant
- 50 - The Forum Rollo Mexico by A1 Greco
Am looking for a little information on a certain roll. Ampico "Selected Recordings Service" Perhaps there is someone out there who may know. Not too long ago, I was given a small collection of 88 by John Grant note rolls. While I was checking the rolls over hoping I could find some "goodies," (I found several) I came Can anyone shed some light on Ampico's "Selected Re across a strange looking roll label. Since I've never seen cordings Service"? Some time ago I noticed that the box that kind of a label, I took notice. label of my copy of the Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria" (roll The label reads, "Rollo Mexico" made by the Mexican #2863) played by Chenoweth, was peeling off. Under RoltCo. #993. The title of the roll, believe it or not was, neath it was a second label, apparently identical, except "Alabamy Bound"!! But, what an arrangement. First a for the words "Selected Recordings Service" in small red v.erse, then a small strange verse, then the song itself, lettering above the roll number. Closer inspection re played at a great pace. vealed the label(s) on the opposite end of the box to have been treated in the same manner. I have discovered two Does anyone out there have any rolls by this company? I other rolls in the collection of Dick Dahlberg which also never thought rolls were made in Mexico! The roll looks have those words on the label. They are "When Irish like it was made in the 20's. Eyes Are Smiling," played by Fairchild (2103-F) and "The The paper is on the gray side, good quality. The original Sweetheart of Sigma Chi," played by de Bert (2453-F). box was missing, but the leader on the roll attracted me. None of the three rolls leaders have any unusual mark The leader shows no artist. There is also a type of tax ings, only the box labels. Was this a service which would stamp on the roll. produce on demand, titles which were no longer Ifanyone out there cangive me any information, I would . routinely cutor stocked? Ifso, one would expect to pay a appreciate it very much as the roll got me curious. premium for the services, and yet the two labels show the same price. Then too, why would it have been· necessary (or desirable) to cover the label of such a special issue later with a "standard" label? Might there About Those Rollo Mexico Rolls ... be some tie-in with "The Favorite Twenty-Five" and "The Favorite Fifty" series? Theories and roll lists will by Dorothy Bromage be compiled and reported on by John R. Grant, 12318 Kemmerton Lane, Bowie, MD 20715. Inputs will be I'll bet you didn't think you'd get an answer so soon, AI. appreciated. On a trip to Mexico in 1957, a friend of mine bought some Duo-Art rolls at a small shop in Mexico City. He also brought back a roll with the following information John, be sure to read the article about Gertrude Huntley. on the Rollo Mexico label: #484, Aires Nacionales D.B. Mexicanos, Potpourri, M. Rios Toledano, Primera Parte. Along the lower edge it reads: Fabricante: J. Coria Mexico. The leader (original) has an identical label stuck on it. Explanations are given in Spanish at the beginning.
New Members Franklin &. Margaret Corya: RR 3 - Box 402, Greensburg, IN 47240 (812-663-6825). Referred by Molly Yeckley. 1925 Seeburg Home Organj 1925 Robert Morton Photoplayer 39; Music Boxes.
Raymond &. Phyllis Wilenzick: 229 Jewel Street, New Or leans, LA 70124(504-288-7707). Referred by Lee Lanier. 1920 Marshall- Wendell upr Arnpico; 1917 Vollmer upr plr.
•••••••••• o' •••••••••• Graham &. Evelyn Harris: 3022 Leeds Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221 (614-488-9061). Referred by Don Dunifon. 1925 Chickering 5'4" Ampico. ,... ,.. Address changes - - ,.-- - Thomas R. Chase 2120 Aldrich Ave., S. #106 Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 871-4164 Alan C. Lightcap Box 173 Lambertville, NJ 08530 (609) 397-1758 Paul Manganaro 126 Carlton Avenue Classified East Rutherford, NJ 07073 David & Jane Schultz WANTED 1221 Providence Rd., N.E. Massillon, OH 44646 NEED Art Echo and Apollo reproducing rolls. Send price and descrip (216) 833-3316 tion to Rick Schommer, 314 Missouri, Alliance, Nebraska 69301 (308) 762-8389. Bill & Sara Stewart 1228 Esther WANTED: Pump motodor Knabe AmpicoA Grand. Must be complete Kemah, TX 77565 with all brackets, rods and springs. Also want rolls for Link AX. Bob Jim Katz Conant, 10 Canterbury, Endicott, NY 13760 (607) 785-0304. 7087 Avenue de Chateaubriand WANTED: Peerless Elite, Seeburg XP, Apollo Red X, or QRS Automatic Montreal, Quebec rolls. Ron Bopp, Rt. 6, Box 676, Joplin, MO 64801 (417) 782-1199. CANADA H2S 2P2 Doug & Anne Fritz WANTED: German trumpeter clock musical type. Shelf or wall model. 1810 Ivanhoe Drive Any condition considered. Would also like to hear from other trumpe ter owners. Thank you. Mike Larmey clo Linda Carpenter, Apt. 114E, Columbia, SC 29210 180 Main St., Bridgewater, MA 02324. Call collect (617) 697-9171.
WANTED: Original Ampico rolls, any quantities. Send list with prices to Dave Welch, 31417th Street, Oakland, CA 94612.
The names of well-known people in wb~ homes the Aeolian and the PiaooJaare BUYING: AMPICO, DUO-ART, WELTE & OTHER TYPE OF ROLLS. affording entertainment and pleasure ..ill beprinlt>d in the:lle r.olumns from timl'l tD time, We believe that Ihey will be interesting, and tbeycertainl1 ba,-esigoUlcance. DESCRIBE AND PRICE. ALTMAN, 8970 Main St., Clarence, NY 14031. Her Majesty Ma.ria Christina. Queen Regent of Spain FOR SALE is included in the Jist of the Aeolian Company·s p~trons WhJt is true in regarJ to judgment of a person by the CHARACTER OF FOR SALE: 5'4" Fisher Ampico A, Louis xv style, professionally rebuilt HIS FRIENDS is equally true in regard to judglT'ent of the Pianola and Aeolian. The tact that any one rer~on of rrommence has purchased a Pianola for his and refinished by Marion Frazier. $10,000. S. lilney, 500 E. 77th Street, own pleasure doe>; 110t aJJ to the valu.: of the instrument. ","'hen, however, Apt. 205, New York, NY 10162. (212) 535-5578. these representatives of culture :lnJ refinement, with wealth sufficient to procure whatever they de~irt', are unanimous in their apprccl3.tion of the Pianola, 'HH.1 have purchased the il15trument for their .own llOmes, it represents FOR SALE: SCOPITONE Films, huge selection. Send S.A.S.E. for list a consensus of opinion which it is impossible to ignore. and prices. Dave Saul, 1043 Eastside Rd., EI Cajon, CA 92020. These instruments must have merit or they would not have the friends they have. ~pa.Cf' is too l George &. Patricia Davis: 196 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar WID. E. &. Janie McCleary: 14 Wakil Drive, St. Catharines, Knolls, NT 07927 (201-539-2491). 1921 Gulbransen upr plr. Ontario, CANADA L2T3H8(416-688-1469). Referredby H. A. Hodgkins. 1918 Marshall &. Wendell upr Ampico; 1920 John Hugo &. Myrl Meier: 608 Sunset Road, State College, PA 16801 Raperuprplr; 1921 Heintzman uprplr; Pump Organ &. Phonos. (814-238-1513). Lloyd &. Lise Wagner: 1500 Trepanier, Chomedy-Laval, Wade C. Johnson: 10 Grant Street, Providence, RI 02909. Re Quebec, CANADA H7W 3G6 (514-688-4640) Referred by ferred by Harvey Roehl. 1913 KoWer &. Campbell upr plr; 1927 Norman Heischober. Weser Bros. upr Pianocorder. Marda Robinson: 400 Bloor St. East, Unit 56, Mississauga, Frederick &. Ellie Schwimmer: 1225 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL Ontario, CANADA L5A 3M8 (416-275-7727). 1938 Cecilian 60093 (312-446-0160). upr ph. Kenneth &. Cheryl Smalley: 3903 Grand Avenue, Western Springs, IL 60558 (312-246-8809). Referred by Bob Taylor (il linois). 1925 Imperial upr ph. Allan &. Ruth Moser: 281 East 2nd Stree~, RicWand Center, WI 53581. Referred by Chester Kuharski. Phillip &. Rita Messmore: RR 6 - MV 4, Shelbyville, IN 46176. 1979 Universal upr plr. Leon &. Mary Switzer: 201 East 114th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64114 (816-942-1113). 1924 Steinway 6'1" Duo-Art XR; 1928 Western Electric A-roll Piano; 1966 Kimball Player Or gan. Roy Ireland: 7112 E. 103rd Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64134 (816-761-7998). 1924 Marshall &. Wendell 5'4" Ampico; 1938 Knabe Spinet Ampico; 1928 Foster upr plr; 1913 Wheelock upr Themodist. John E. Purk: 2015V2 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67214 (316-263 9200) Referred by Emmett Ford. 1921 George Steck 5'6" Duo Art. Robert &. Myrtle Nelson: 1517 Avenue L, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 (308-635-0438). 1917 Autopiano upr Welte-Mignon. E. H. Breckenfelder: 519 West 3rd., Muscatine, IA 52761 (319 263-2082). Referred by George Apland. Susan Laraine Jones: 324 Ramona Street, Apt. 2, San Mateo, CA 94401 (415-348-3286). 1980 Aeolian Sting II plr. Contributed by Dick Merchant HThe Inside of the Playerpiano" QRS ROLLS: Uptol/3 off, factory shipped. Send 50¢ for catalog. Price lists free. Write: Baley's, 310 Grandview, Kalamazoo, M149001. FOR SALE: Farrand (Bush & Lane) 5'2" Welte Licensee Jacobean Art BROADMOORE AUTOMATIC Case w/matching bench. Unrestored, $3,500. Phone (517) 236-5293 or (616) 468-5986. INSTRUMENT RESTORATIONS Aeolian Duo-Art 5'2" Grand Piano, late 20's. Hand rubbed mahogany Restoration of orchestrions and reproducing pianos case. Mechanism and piano completely rebuilt. $7,200. Call (317) 849 our specialty. 6282 or write: Steven R. Dryden, 8820 Mud Creek Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256. Finest materials used. FOR SALE: Mills Double Violin & Piano, ser. no. 2198. Unrestored "Each part is treated as the most important contact Dennis Sam mutt. Week days 9-5 (415) 589-8812. part in the machine." FOR SALE: J & C Fischer 5'2" Ampico A fully restored. Piano by We are authorities on authenticity. Michigan Piano, Ampico by the Leedy Brothers. This is a late A with lost motion, pedal compensators, and roll start. Phone (517) 627-8496 Prices of restoration vary according to the grade of any day except Saturday. work you select - from "Excellent" to "Perfect." FOR SALE: Stroud Duo-Art 5'2" art case grand and matching bench, No trade secrets - we will gladly discuss procedures fairly good condition, late model, $2,800. Steck "Baby Ampico" spinet thoroughly with any customer. & bench, excellent condition $2,500. Randolph Herr, 111-07 77th Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375 (212) 520-1443. ~ 14 years experience- FOR SALE: Aeolian Duo-Art Upright, good restorable condition, re::::::::::::i:::e~::~::ues~. Mahogany case. This piano was originally foot-pumped model. Will I, negotiate price. Carl W. Kempf, 2023 Gober Ave., S.E., Smyrna, GA 30080 (404) 435-8861. m 1237 San Fernando Rd. I San Fernando. CA 91340 _ FOR SALE: Mason & Hamlin Ampico A, 5'8" grand, #RA34427. Profes sionally refinished, Ivories, hammers, strings, bridges and case excel lent condition. Has been serviced regularly since new in 1926. Ampico I 213/365·6231 i is complete, untouched original and exceptionally clean. It plays but needs attention. $10,500. Roger A. Anderson, 11323 Fowler Ave., ~Dmvme__~ Omaha, NB 68164 (402) 493-1436. AMICA STATIONERY: $3.20 (letter size), AMICA ITEMS AMICA TECHNICALITIES BOOKS: $1.75 (note size), including mailing charges. Volume I (1969-1971), $5.50 postpaid; Fine quality stationery with ornate AMICA FOR SALE Volume II (1972-1974), $7.50 postpaid; borders. Each packet contains 25 letters ROLL LEADERS: DUO-ART and WELTE. Volume III (1975-1977), $8.50 postpaid. and matching envelopes. Send orders to: Authentic. For order sheet, see mailing Reprints of interesting technical articles Robert Lemon, 4560 Green Tree Drive, cover of December 1980 Bulletin. Nick Jar Sacramento, CA 94823. which have appeared in the AMICA Bulle rett, 3622 21st St., San Francisco, CA 94114. tin, arranged and indexed into appropriate "They All Laughed When I Sat Down At AMICA BULLETINS, BOUND ISSUES: categories. Send orders to: Jim Weisen The Piano, But When IT Began To Play." 1971,1972,1973 - bound sets at $15.00 each borne, 73 Nevada Street, Rochester, MI This sound and color super-8 movie, pro set. 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 at 48063. duced by AMICA members, is available for $18.00 each set. PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE loan to AMICA members and chapters. For AND HANDLING. Spiral bound to lay flat. PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO more information write to Howard Koff, Send orders to Mary Lilien, 4260 Olympiad AMICA INTERNATIONAL 2141 Deodara Drive, Los Altos, CA 94022. Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90043. For Immediate Sale One completely restored LINK Style E piano with mandolin, xylophone and art glass front. This piano is in excellent operating con dition restored to its original beauty and workmanship. Coloured photos, serial num ber and other pertinent information available on request. Please address all enquiries to: JOHN C. EGAN c 0 EGAN RESTAURANTS Ltd. Hydro Place - 700 University Ave. Toronto, Ontario, \1SG lZS Canada '~)(~5~h·:':···~:~·~~·::~~)()(~~l)( Musicale that was offered for sale by the ..~';~oal Welte-Mignon Corporation" in the United States. Note: Two c6mpanies manu factured the Welte system in the United States that !I.sed the 11Y.. .. wide rolls. The_Origin~1 Welte-Mignon Corporation and the Auto ~ . Deluxe Corporation (Commonly known as the Welte-Licensee). AM R has reproduced these' 10 photos. 8 are printed on high gloss quality Krome·Kote stocK and the other two are prints printed on quality enamel stock. The 10 photos show various t)( models of the Musicale plus photos of all four sides of this remote )( )( roll playing cabinet shOWing the mechanism in detail. Also one )( photo shows the underside of the grand piano with its special connections for the Musicale. l Note the child in this 1925 photo with the special remote control device for choosing anyone of 10 rolls from the Musicale to play ~ the grand piano. The Aeolian Company 5 years later came out with a similar deviSE!. called the "Duo-Art Concertola." l R·114 TEN PHOTOS as described of WELTE-MIGNON '" $20.00 MUSICALE. Quality photos 8Y. by 11 inches each. Printed on high gloss quality Krome-Kate stock. Ideal ~ for fram ing. All 10 for $20.00 plus $1.50 shipping. )( )( )( )( ~ ~ ~ l ~ ~ ~ l j No".. Th'" hi"" 0,," d.", [0' ",,;/in< publica"ons $1.50 [0, nsy C ( number of publications. There is no charge for mailing publications if ) "" ordered with rolls. ow ~ AM R has recently reprinted several new publications X for the Welte. Another Welte quality reprint is: l R-112 NUMERICAL LIST OF WELTE-MIGNON LICENSEE $12.00 ROLLS. Deluxe Reproducing Roll Corp. 68 pages 8Y. by 11 in. ~ AUTOMATiC MUSIC ROLL CO. Lises the Welte Licensee rolls by number in Classical Series. Accompaniment and Popular Series. Lists the roll number, P.O. Box 3194 Seattle, Wa. 98114 Title, Pianist and Composer. A quality bound list. This list ~ Phone (206) 633-3664 along with our publications R-50 Two roll bulletins of 1929 VISA and MASTERCARD orders accepted and 1931 lists most of the Welte-Licensee rolls that were ~ by mail or phone issued. R-50 sells for $3.50 See note above on shipping. )(~~)()(~~)\I(~~)()(~~)(