Can you can assist us here in the UK with a QRS-related question:
was there ever a relationship between QRS and Aeolian?  We have
recently unearthed a UK Aeolian Themodist copy of "Russian Rag"
(roll T23795) and it appears to be an exact (though themodized and
metrostyled) copy of QRS 100870 "Russian Rag" played by Max Kortlander!

Kortlander's performance is highly distinctive and entirely unique
so the Aeolian roll being virtually identical note-for-note can surely
be no mere coincidence.  T23795 also dates to 1919 like the QRS roll.

Did Aeolian purchase in a few lively QRS masters around 1919?  As
neither Aeolian nor QRS were the type of company who pirated works
there must be a simpler explanation.  Any thoughts?

Adam Ramet
http://www.undergroundpianola.com/