Chicago - Original Piano Trio ampicoab 2013-05-04 | Mason & Hamlin RBB Ampico A with a "B" drawer plays this 1922 roll. The drawer is seen without any panels as they are still being refinished. This piano is 6'11" and was made in 1926
Aeolian Pipe Organ Explained, History of No. 1280 ampicoab 2022-08-22 | An overview explaining how Aeolian became an important part of early twentieth century mansions as the ultimate home entertainment device.
Podolsky plays Rachmaninovs Prelude in B minor ampicoab 2019-09-02 | Rachmaninov Prelude, opus 32, B MinorFollowing the 1983 AMICA convention in Chicago, where Ampico artist Leo Podolsky was an honored guest, he offered to make new Ampico rolls. This is one of those rolls. It is preformed on a 1926 model RBB Mason & Hamlin piano. Ampico A mechanism, but the newer B drawer is fitted to the piano.
Sheherazade, Ampico foxtrot version by Lopez ampicoab 2019-05-14 | A hot Vincent Lopez arrangement released in 1924 on Ampico roll 63893-F. Marked as "assisted", this four hand foxtrot version is full of big chords, trills, and embellishments. The Chickering concert grand handles the task with ease and still delivers pianissimo with quiet stealth. Rimsky-Korsakov never envisioned this composition in this format!This recut roll is from Meliora music rolls in Atlanta.
Aeolian Pipe Organ, Hansel & Gretel, Dream Pantomime, Arr. by Alfred Hertz ampicoab 2018-04-29 | Arranging rolls that operate the Duo Art organ requires tremendous skill to produce a worthwhile musical performance. The arranger must understand both the music and the nature of the organ. Alfred Hertz excelled as an arranger, combining his vast experience as an opera conductor with the attributes of the Orchestral Aeolian organ.
Aeolian Pipe Organ Automatic Duo Art player explained in 6 minutes ampicoab 2018-03-15 | A rapidly paced presentation that explains how a roll with 176 hole channels controls the Aeolian Duo Art Pipe Organ first introduced in 1915
Aeolian Pipe Organ plays Rachmaninoff Prelude in C# Minor ampicoab 2017-12-06 | Rachmaninoff's famous Prelude rose to popularity during the era of player pianos. One can hear the composer playing this composition on The Ampico. The Aeolian Company first issued this pipe organ roll on the non-automatic 116-note roll in 1909, and later offered this Duo Art version, with no performer listed. This performance via MIDI scanned from an original roll, 3319.
Aeolian Organ Plays Bossi Scherzo in G minor ampicoab 2017-08-07 | Marco Enrico Bossi recorded his Scherzo for Aeolian in February 1925 shortly before he died. Aeolian released the roll late in 1926. The roll, 3431, is thought to be the only recording Bossi made of this composition. Other examples here on YouTube are played much slower.
Aeolian Organ Plays Borodin-Sketch from the Steppes ampicoab 2017-07-11 | Aeolian organ roll (116-note) 1190 has been copied into a MIDI file and then Duo Art coding has been applied. This is the only Borodin roll in the 116-note Aeolian library. Upgrading 116-note rolls to full Duo Art format is time consuming and often not rewarding. In this case, the beauty of this composition is heard with numerous changes to the registration reflecting various orchestra voices echoing the melody.
Paul Morris Organ Duet, impromptu ampicoab 2017-06-19 | An Organ Duet featuring Paul Morris playing live on the Estey Minuette accompanying a MIDI recording he previously made on the Aeolian. Just for fun and not rehearsed.
Have You Met Miss Jones, Ampico B, Mason & Hamlin ampicoab 2017-02-19 | Adam Carroll's arrangement of this tune is pure genius. As the Foxtrot era was ending, new tunes were starting to "Swing" and jazz elements were emerging. This was a favorite jazz tune in my youth, and here it is all blended together. Rogers & Hart, Adam Carroll, and the Ampico B
Im Getting Sentimental Over You, Ampico B, Mason & Hamlin ampicoab 2017-02-18 | Frank Milne, roll artist genius, lends his smooth style to this Tommy Dorsey theme song. The roll used in this recording is the finest of the Keystone offerings featuring precision re-mastering and printed lyrics. Milne's style is highlighted with close-ups of tenor notes when he shifts the melody there--as he does in almost all rolls. The piano is a 1930 Mason & Hamlin, restored in 1977. It is one of about 20 in this Louis XV style.(Seen briefly are two of the Chinese roll cabinets that adorned the New York apartment of Charles Fuller Stoddard, inventor of the Ampico)
Fairchild and Rainger, Ampico Ziegfeld Selectons 2 ampicoab 2016-12-20 | Edgar Fairchild and Ralph Rainger, piano duo bring their brilliant playing to the Ampico. These arrangements were performed at the famed Ziegfeld Follies. This is roll 68523.
Ampico Seasons Greetings, Dave Junchen Masterpeice ampicoab 2016-12-19 | A Holiday favorite, Sleigh Ride, is performed on the Concert Grand Chickering Ampico. The late Dave Junchen hand mastered this roll which can also be found on Orchestreons as well as Duo Art format.
Estey Minuette Organ, For All the Saints ampicoab 2016-07-06 | Amy Crousore performs a hymn arranged by Hal Hopson. The instrument is a rare Estey Minuette pipe organ of three ranks built to look like a grand piano. All pipes are contained within the case. Very few of these instruments survive.
Estey Minuette Organ, Mendelssohn Adagio ampicoab 2016-06-01 | A Minuette pipe organ, that resembles a grand piano, is heard in this Adagio from Sonata #1 for organ. Amy Crousore performs this work to demonstrate the small Estey's classical ability. Additional presentations are planned to showcase other types of music. Few Minuette organs were built, and very few survive.Details of Minuette construction can be seen on this web site http://www.aeolianorgan.com/Estey_Minuette_Organ/Welcome.htmlMany pictures also show the recent restoration.
Maytime/Adam Carroll/Chickering/Ampico ampicoab 2016-04-30 | Another snappy performance given by the "Ampico Kid", Adam Carroll
Chopin Ballade G Minor/Tina Lerner/Chickering/Ampico ampicoab 2016-04-30 | Tina Lerner, of Odessa Russia, performs brilliantly the first Chopin Ballade, Op. 23 in G minor. The video shows a freshly restored Chickering piano, 5' 4". The Ampico mechanism is circa 1926.
Valse Triste, Sibelius, Volavy, Ampico ampicoab 2016-04-29 | Ampico roll 51675 from around 1915 or 16. Margaret Volavy had two stints as editor and recording artist at Ampico. This is one of her early efforts. This roll shows off the bass expression at softer registers which is unusual for a reproducing piano roll. In this rendition, it is skillfully done by Ms. Volavy. The instrument is a freshly restored Chickering, 5' 4".
Liszt Concerto E Flat, Volavy, Ampico ampicoab 2016-04-08 | Marguerite Volavy combines her stunning talents as a performer and roll editor in this Ampico Jumbo roll. Rarely touted, this roll is however one of the most compelling examples of how good a reproducing piano can render a fantastic work. Ms. Volavy possessed the extremely rare talent as both performer and technician. In this example, she also was responsible for the arrangement combining orchestra and piano solo into a meaningful reading.Research is still incomplete, but it appears as if she used the Hickman recording technology as the basis for this roll. That system which is commonly associated with only the Ampico B, actually began in 1926 well before the "B" was introduced. Three cameras were used to capture this event played on a Mason & Hamlin BB, Ampico "A" equipped with the Jumbo roll capable model "B" drawer. The camera at the bass end was not HD and that is apparent. The camera at the treble end was an iphone 5. The center camera was a Canon HD with zoom which gives several different perspectives.
Mazeppa, Liszt, Nyiregyhazi, Ampico ampicoab 2016-03-21 | Liszt's Transcendental Etude No. 4 played by Erwin Nyiregyhazi. Performed on a 1926 Mason& Hamlin Ampico. This piano is the model BB which is 6'11" in length. The mechanism is the "A" style with a "B" style drawer retrofit.
Aeolian Organ - History of Opus1280 ampicoab 2015-12-05 | Year 2014 was the centennial of Opus 1280. A video was presented as part of that celebration. Centennial references have been removed in this version.
Aeolian Organ plays Puccinis Madame Butterfly ampicoab 2015-10-24 | Early 20th Century home entertainment found its zenith in the orchestral residence pipe organ. Rolls presented skillfully transcribed music of opera and symphony orchestra. The very talented Harry Rowe Shelley gives us this music from Act two in which the famous Aria, Un Bel Di is heard. This recording was made as part of the Centennial celebration of this Aeolian Player Pipe Organ. MIDI files now replace the roll.
Liszt Etude in D Flat, Mischa Levitzki ampicoab 2015-08-03 | A Mason & Hamlin, size RBB, performs this Ampico "A" roll, 68013. This is one of the last rolls issued in "A" format. The piano has been fitted with a "B" style drawer and also possess the special expression devices found only in the Concert Grand Demo pianos. It is otherwise, a straight "A" vintage 1926
Welte Licensee Deed I Do ampicoab 2015-04-21 | A roll re-issued by Mike Schwimmer again shows off the Welte Licensee and the great popular rolls from the 1920's. The artist is listed as Holbrook King. Very exaggerated accents in the bass suggest that the coding might be just a bit too much, but it certainly is catchy.
Welte Licensee played by Thompson Kerr (Frank Milne) ampicoab 2015-04-20 | This slow, danceable foxtrot is now a standard. Crying Myself to Sleep played by Kerr is smooth and soothing. This is a re-issue roll from Mike Schwimmer.This selecton is also on a Duo Art roll, and is obviously Frank Milne.
Welte Licensee shows off Johnny Johnson ampicoab 2015-04-17 | Hot Welte roll artist Johnny Johnson gets down with My Baby Knows How! This roll was re-issued by Mike Schwimmer.
Welte Licensee Plays Kinkajou ampicoab 2015-04-17 | Harry Perrella gives this snappy foxtrot life. This is a recut roll issued by Robin Pratt under his Artists' Choice label.
Welte Licensee and Johnny Johnson ampicoab 2015-04-16 | The Welte Licensee popular roll library is known for its snappy and jazzy renditions. This arrangement of Sweet Southern Breeze is one of them. This is a recut roll produced by Mike Schwimmer.
Listening on Some Radio, The Original Piano Trio ampicoab 2015-03-05 | Herbert Clair, George Dilworth, Edger Fairchild made many recordings as The Original Piano Trio. While not a virtuosic performance, the multiple activities of six hands and huge chords is fun to watch and hear. This is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
Dizzy Fingers 95 ampicoab 2015-02-28 | Zez Confrey found fame in this composition. Today it often played at a rapid pace. Who's correct? This Harold Powell reissued roll is marked at tempo 95, but the original is marked 115. See the roll played at the faster speed at Dizzy Fingers 115. This is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
John Arpin Plays St. Louis Blues ampicoab 2015-02-27 | John Arpin provides us with a performance that is without equal. His rendition of this W C Handy classic was wisely perserved as a piano roll from BluesTone Music. The final Master roll was used in this video.This is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
Limehouse Blues ampicoab 2015-02-25 | This 1922 tune has been performed in numerous styles since it was first published. Ferde Grofe is assisted in this performance.Roll issued by Harold PowellThis is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
Aunt Hagars Blues ampicoab 2015-02-25 | Adam Carroll show his Blues talents in this Handy composition.Roll issued by Harold Powell.This is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
Chevy Chase ampicoab 2015-02-25 | One of Eubie Blake's famous Rags. Recorded by Pete Wendling.Issued by Keystone Music Rolls. This is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
Moanin Low ampicoab 2015-02-23 | While sounding like Blues, it is actually a Torch Song. Ralph Rainger, who is the composer, plays this Ampico roll.This is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
Wabash Blues ampicoab 2015-02-22 | Ampico Artist Herbert Clair renders this tune, which was at the top of the charts in 1921. A recut roll by Mike and Fred SchwimmerThis is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
Sweet Man ampicoab 2015-02-22 | Zez Confrey plays this tune which is billed as in "Charleston Rhythm" , by Maceo Pinkard. Mike and Fred Schwimmer recut roll.This is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
When You Walked Out, Someone Else Walked Right In ampicoab 2015-02-22 | Adam Carroll turns in a super hot performance on this 1923 roll.A Fred and Mike Schwimmer recut roll.This is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
Blue (And Broken Hearted) ampicoab 2015-02-22 | A great four hand arrangement by Fairchild and Dilworth, originally issued in 1922. This recut is the highest quality from Keystone Music Rolls. It features a printed leader and song words. The newly created master roll is perfect in all respects.This is part of a series of Ampico rolls being featured in my, "Blues, Rags, and Hot Piano Styles"
Aeolian Organ plays Cantique de Noel ampicoab 2014-11-16 | Aeolian Organ Opus 1280 is 100 years old. This video is part of a centennial celebration. Clips from last winter are merged with more current clips to offer holiday music from prolific roll artist Archer Gibson. Harp arpeggios accompany the melody in typical Gibson style. Close ups of the harp in action give testimony to its quick response and delightful tone.
Adam Swanson, Vera Lynn demo ampicoab 2014-04-29 | During the 2013 JW Blind Boone ragtime festival, three great pianists gather and discuss Vera Lynn. Adam plays one of Vera's hit songs.Watching are Dick Kroeckel and Johnny Maddox. Others present are ragtime fans, etc. iPhone video
Welte Mignon Licensee, Ernst Toch The Juggler ampicoab 2014-04-12 | Welte Licensee piano performs Toch. Mechanically arranged, this roll is fourth in a study by Toch. This composition cannot be played by hand. The work is not published.
Welte-Mignon Licensee Plays Hungarian Rhapsody #10 ampicoab 2014-03-15 | Original Red Welte Roll 324 was transcribed by Richard Tonnesen and perforated on his perforator in Welte Licensee format.
Welte Mignon Licensee Marguerite Volavy The Nightingale ampicoab 2014-02-28 | Marguerite Volavy performs The Nightingale by Alabieff/Liszt, rendered on a 1930 Stein piano. Welte roll 7666.
Danse Macabre on the Ampico ampicoab 2013-05-03 | Theodore Henrion was Ampico's chief editor at the time of this 1918 recording. The piano featured is a 1926 Mason & Hamlin BB (6'11"). The Ampico is style A and the piano has been fitted with a "B" drawer that has just been restored. The drawer panels are still being refinished, so we get to peek at the interesting internals which include an electric roll drive.
Islamey by Balakirew, Julius Chaloff ampicoab 2012-02-10 | Ampico performance of Julius Chaloff. This video is included in the instructional DVD, "The Ampico Code, Part Two" which has been released. In that DVD, this video will show a pressure gauge during the performance. Visit this site for more information: http://web.me.com/bobtaylor5/Ampico/Technical_DVDs.html
Welte Licensee Piano Performs Debussy ampicoab 2011-03-17 | This performance by Walter Gieseking is the ultimate example of precise control, which this music requires. A 1930 Charles Frederick Stein piano plays a Welte Licensee roll. The roll is a conversion from the Green Welte format. Richard Tonnesen, of Custom Music Rolls, made the conversion. Stein was a noted piano designer, but his entry to the market was poorly timed as economic conditions were leading to the great depression. This high quality piano carries the low serial number of 1246. The original sales contract allowed a deep discount and two years interest free financing. The piano incorporates an action from the famed Wessell, Nickel & Gross. In this installation, a special Wippen mechanism removes all lost motion when the soft pedal hammer rail is activated. Thus, during soft pedal passages, the keys do not dip as would be the case in most actions. This adds to the capability of even playing during soft passages as this roll demonstrates.
Grieg Piano Concerto, Op. 16. A Minor, 3rd Movement ampicoab 2010-11-23 | The artist, Marguerite Volavy, was a concert pianist who chose a career in the piano roll industry. She transcribed this concerto into a piano only performance. Her first version of this composition appeared in 1916, but she continued to upgrade and improve the performance. At least three versions of this work exist. Volavy, in two tours of employment at Ampico, became one of their most accomplished roll editors. Her skill is shown quite clearly in this work. Movements 1 & 3 have more power than most people expect from a reproducing piano, while the 2nd movement shows extreme delicacy. All three movements are now posted on You Tube. Performed on a freshly restored Mason & Hamlin, 6'2" Ampico B
Grieg Piano Concerto, Op. 16 A Minor, 2nd Movement ampicoab 2010-11-17 | The artist, Marguerite Volavy, was a concert pianist who chose a career in the piano roll industry. She transcribed this concerto into a piano only performance. Her first version of this composition appeared in 1916, but she continued to upgrade and improve the performance. At least three versions of this work exist. Volavy, in two tours of employment at Ampico, became one of their most accomplished roll editors. Her skill is shown quite clearly in this work. Movements 1 & 3 have more power than most people expect from a reproducing piano, while the 2nd movement shows extreme delicacy. All three movements are now posted on You Tube. Performed on a freshly restored Mason & Hamlin, 6'2" Ampico B
