Adding a few comments about the recent issue of the Aeolian CD from
Paul Morris, I would like to say "It's about time!".
For most of my career as a mechanical music collector (35 years),
I have felt that the Reproducing Duo-Art pipe organ was shamefully
overlooked. Few people today have experienced the fantastic music
that is stored in these old Aeolian rolls. Now, a few more of these
instruments are being restored. Still, the music is only heard by
small numbers; Paul's CD is an important step in bringing out this
forgotten music.
Paralleling my own efforts, Paul and I have enjoyed this mutual
interest. Some of you may recall that he played at my very informal
open house early this summer. While he is among the first to record
and offer CD's, others will surely follow. That would include me,
but it is too soon for that.
One phase of my work, different from Paul's, is to archive the rolls
in MIDI files. I have done that with some 300 Duo-Art rolls to date.
Now, I am starting to archive the non-self-registering 116-note organ
rolls. As part of that project, some of these 116-note rolls are being
upgraded into fully automatic format. Today, for example, I am working
on Moszkowski's Introduction and Allegro, Op 90, composed for Aeolian
organ. This bright and showy piece must have been a favorite in
Aeolian show rooms.
Stay tuned for more CD's from Paul, and eventually, I'll have some, too.
Bob Taylor
|