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MMD > Archives > January 2020 > 2020.01.11 > 02Prev  Next


"Rhapsody in Blue" Roll With Jazz Orchestra
By Robbie Rhodes

Michael Tilson Thomas conducts the 1976 recording on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=xTOJXxTypuU 
The text below is condensed from the program notes that appear
at the end of the YouTube video.

> George Gershwin/Michael Tilson Thomas
> M 34205
> (C) 1976 CBS Inc.
> RHAPSODY IN BLUE
> The 1925 Piano Roll
> Accompanied by the Columbia Jazz Band
> TT: 13:40
> Columbia Masterworks

  "Indeed, through the expert craftsmanship of Mark Goodman, the
designated holes were carefully closed and phase one of the project
was complete.

  "Phase two began with the selection of a high quality reproducing
piano.  Mark owned a fine instrument (a grand), which he generously
offered for our use, but certain repairs and adjustments were required
to allow it to function in top form.  Here we owe a debt of gratitude
to William J. Santaella, Vice President of the International Piano
Archives, who spent several days repairing and adjusting the Duo-Art
mechanism until the instrument performed in perfect order.  The piano
was then moved to the recording studio where it successfully reproduced
the 'edited' Gershwin performance."

Who was William J. Santaella?  He was possibly also known as William J.
del Valle.  I wonder if he was responsible for the breathtaking tempo.

Robbie Rhodes
Etiwanda, California


(Message sent Sun 12 Jan 2020, 06:00:49 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  Blue, Jazz, Orchestra, Rhapsody, Roll

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