Hi, I enjoyed Terry Smythe's commentary about there being _good_ music
on YouTube. I listened to the Aeolian organ and enjoyed it. Too bad
that they gave no historical info at all about it -- this being typical
of most YouTube posts.
Also, while the Concertola device was shown in action, a MIDI screen
was shown as well, causing me to wonder if it was the roll actually
playing or the MIDI. I enjoy studying the arrangements (by listening).
Most Aeolian organ rolls I have heard have been "routine" with little
in the way of innovative arranging, which is fine.
I believe if MBSI or AMICA or someone else could get permission to do
so from the producers or owners, good quality music from past stereo
records could be put on YouTube, perhaps with a picture of the record
jacket front and back (the back usually giving worthwhile liner notes).
With some searching, recordings of well-restored, properly tuned
automatic musical instruments, recorded by experts, can be found.
Much music from pianos, orchestrions, etc., on YouTube seems to be from
hand-held (and not steadily) amateur VCR units; often the percussion
and mechanical noises overwhelm any subtleties the music may have had.
This situation is not unique to automatic musical instruments; YouTube
is filled with amateur singing and playing in combination with poor
recordings.
Best wishes,
Dave Bowers
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