Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info

End-of-Year Fundraising Drive In Progress. Please visit our home page to see this and other announcements: https://www.mmdigest.com     Thank you. --Jody

MMD > Archives > December 2013 > 2013.12.20 > 02Prev  Next


"The Nutcracker" Played on Ampico & Duo-Art
By Paddy Handscombe

For music's sake and the reputation of reproducing pianos, I'm afraid
I have to say that both pianos were sadly disappointing.  A Steinway XR
should sound much better than in the video.  Does no-one in the US know
how or bother to voice reproducing pianos?  And please, owners, have
your pianos tuned before allowing them on YouTube.

The Duo-Art system is capable of far better reproduction with a greater
dynamic range and subtlety than heard, including from this roll.  Percy
Grainger was fastidious about his Duo-Art performances.  A comparable
example of his playing on a Steinway O recorded in a domestic
situation is at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jOslQGCgw8 

Patrick Handscombe
Wivenhoe, Essex, UK

 [ YouTube frequently mangles the sound of pianos, so I think the
 [ player condition and piano tone shouldn't be judged based on
 [ a YouTube video.  Maybe the piano rebuilder could supply you
 [ a high-fidelity recording for comparison.  -- Robbie


(Message sent Fri 20 Dec 2013, 21:50:20 GMT, from time zone GMT.)

Key Words in Subject:  Ampico, Duo-Art, Nutcracker, Played

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page