Re: "Oscar" for Music Rolls
By Robbie Rhodes
Robin Pratt sent me a jolly response:
> What a good idea! I have been on a campaign for years to get
> recognition to those who are CURRENTLY contributing [music
> rolls]. I will bring up this subject to the AMICA board. We
> already have the Pumper Contest Award which is the "Footsie". The
> trophy is a gilded wooden shoe form on top of a trophy base.
> That way he who is "First" can be "Last".
[ Robin: Isn't the "Last" the sole of the shoe? Or is it
[ the "soul" of the Pianolist?!! -- Robbie
> All is well here and I haven't been on-line much lately. I am in
> the quandary as to whether to build a building or rent or buy, and
> it is driving me crazy! Trying to keep up with the AMICA
> Bulletin, restoration business, music director job, and now this
> convention. Plus, I am hosting the 1997 AMICA Convention HERE!!!
> ARRGHHHHHHH!
>
> Me and my big mouth. 2 years seemed VERY far away at the time.
> Well, gotta go and worry some more.
>
> -- Robin
I guess I should explain why I nominate "MAX" for the trophy's name: that's Max Kortlander, who began arranging piano rolls around 1918, and single-handedly preserved the industry through the Depression and into the "revival" of the 1960's.
In my opinion it was Kortlander who DEFINED the "player piano sound" that the public thinks of today. His compositions fit no style of the times, they are so unique. His arrangements are masterpieces of development, harmony and voicing. He was responsible for the clean- cut, incisive rhythm which made QRS a household word. He helped Pete Wendling define "the Pete Wendling sound". He trained J. Lawrence Cook in the art of arranging, and in later years allowed Cook to use the Kortlander name.
Kortlander, as a QRS artist, was perhaps the most modest performer of the era. His regular nom de plume was "Ted Baxter"; the alias always appeared _before_ "Kortlander" on the label of a 4-hands performance.
Of all the great artists associated with piano roll music, I believe Max Kortlander was the greatest!
-- Robbie Rhodes
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(Message sent Tue 26 Mar 1996, 04:28:34 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.) |
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