Classical artists on BluesTone Duo-Art rolls include Harold Bauer, Ferruccio Busoni, Shura Cherkassky, Alfred Cortot, Rudolph Ganz, Leopold Godowsky, Enrique Granados, Josef Hofmann, Vladimir Horowitz, Paquito Madriguera, John Powell, Serge Prokofieff, Arthur Rubinstein, Beryl Rubinstein, and Camille Saint-Saëns.

Popular artists on BluesTone Duo-Art rolls include Felix Arndt, Edythe Baker, Eubie Blake, Rube Bloom, George Gershwin, Alan Moran, and Dana Suesse.

Playing Duo-Art rolls on regular 88-note player pianos: Duo-Art rolls are layed out so that they will play fine on any standard 88-note player. If you wish, you can use a piece of Scotch tape to cover channels 3-8 on the bass end and channels 89-96 on the treble end so that no extraneous notes are played on your piano. For details please take a look at a brief BluesTone Tracker Bar Comparison. Note that the automatic sustain channel will still operate normally in this case.

PLEASE NOTE: I must remind you of a very important detail with BluesTone Duo-Art recuts. The material and quality are excellent, however my Duo-Art recuts do not have tiny snakebites holes. Instead the snakebite holes are the same size as the playing notes, which on my recuts are slightly smaller than most originals anyway. The accuracy with which Custom Music Rolls reads and punches these recuts means that the snakebites are positioned exactly where they should be to accent notes properly (making these better than some other Duo-Art recuts). The consensus I have found with Duo-Art collectors worldwide is that these recuts play perfectly, and I have never had a single complaint about the results using this approach.

In fact, I've had several people tell me they believe that these rolls are BETTER than originals because of the restoration state of the typical Duo-Art player, and the need for more air in the accenting mechanism (and the new paper, of course). However, I still respect the purist who does not wish to buy a recut with anything but tiny snakebite holes. SO!! If that doesn't bother you, you will be perfectly happy with these recuts; if it does bother you, please PASS on these!

BT # / Composer / Title / Pianist
DA-037 Bach - Busoni Chaconne - Andante Maestoso, Op. 21 Ferruccio Busoni
DA-057 Bach, J. S. Two-Part Inventions Nos 1, 6 and 8 Harold Bauer
DA-029 Balakirev Islamey Beryl Rubinstein
DA-020 Bizet - Horowitz Carmen Variations Vladimir Horowitz
DA-011 Brahms Capriccio - Op. 76 No. 2 played by Arthur Rubinstein
DA-034 Brahms Hungarian Dance #8 Harold Bauer
DA-058 Brahms Rhapsodie, Op.119 Myra Hess
DA-038 Brahms Rhapsody in B Minor, Op. 79 No. 1 Arthur Rubinstein
DA-059 Brahms - Paganini Variations Op.35, 14 Selections from Books 1 & 2 Wilhelm Bachaus
DA-060 Chopin Ballade in A-flat Major Ignace Jan Paderewski
DA-013 Chopin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 11, 1st Mvt/ Pt. 1 Josef Hofmann
DA-014 Chopin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 11, 1st Mvt/ Pt. 2 Josef Hofmann
DA-015 Chopin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 11, 2nd Mvt Josef Hofmann
DA-016 Chopin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 11, 3rd Mvt Josef Hofmann
DA-040 Chopin Etude, Op. 25, No. 9 in Gb Major ("Butterfly") Ignace Paderewski
DA-041 Chopin Fantasie Impromptu, Op. 66 in C# Minor Harold Bauer
DA-061 Chopin Mazurka in B-flat minor, Op.24, No.4 Ignace Jan Paderewski
DA-030 Chopin Nocturne Op. 15 No. 2 Arthur Rubinstein
DA-042 Chopin Nocturne, Op. 32, No. 2 in Ab Major Rudolph Ganz
DA-043 Chopin Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2 in Eb Major Leopold Godowsky
DA-063 Chopin Polonaise in A-flat, Op.53 Josef Hofmann
DA-062 Chopin Polonaise Op. 44 F-sharp minor Arthur Rubinstein
DA-044 Chopin Polonaise, Op. 40, No. 1 in A Major "Military" Ignace Paderewski
DA-006 Chopin Scherzo - Op. 20 John Powell
DA-017 Chopin Scherzo No. 2, Op. 31 in E Minor Josef Hofmann
DA-028 Chopin Two Etudes: Op. 10, No. 6 (in Ebm) / 25, No. 12 (Cm) Vladimir Horowitz
DA-064 Chopin Valse Brillante Op.34, No.1 Ignace Jan Paderewski
DA-065 Chopin Valse, Op.64, No.2 Josef Hofmann
DA-039 Chopin - Liszt Andante Spianato and Polonaise, Op. 22 Alfred Cortot
DA-019 Debussy Danse Arthur Rubinstein
DA-018 Debussy La Plus que Lente ("As slowly as possible") Arthur Rubinstein
DA-066 Debussy Prelude a l'Apres-midi d'un Faune E. Robert Schmitz
DA-003 Glazounow Gavotte - Op. 49, No. 3 Serge Prokofieff
DA-067 Gluck Alceste Caprice arranged by Camille Saint-Saens Guiomar Noaves
DA-068 Granados Allegro de Concierto Paquita Madriguera
DA-046 Granados Andaluza - Danza Espanolas, No. 5 Enrique Granados
DA-047 Haydn Sonata in D, No. 37 - Allegro Con Brio Rudolph Ganz
DA-069 Kreisler Caprice Viennois Erno Rapee
DA-049 Liszt Gondoliera - Annes de Pelerinage, Venezia a Napoli Rudolph Ganz
DA-048 Liszt La Campanella - Paganini Etude No. 3 in G Sharp Minor Ferruccio Busoni
DA-050 Liszt La Chasse ("The Chase") - Paganini Etude No. 5 in E Major Ferruccio Busoni
DA-071 Liszt Liebestraum (Dream of Love) Nocturne Blissful Death Key F Rudolph Ganz
DA-072 Liszt Paganini Etude No.2 Harold Bauer
DA-070 Liszt Rhapsodie Hongroise No.9 Pesther Carnival Arthur Friedheim
DA-073 Liszt Tarantella (Venezia e Napoli) Josef Hofmann
DA-074 Mendelssohn Fingals Cave Overture Hutcheson & Ganz
DA-051 Mendelssohn Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14 in E Major Josef Hofmann
DA-001 Moszkowski Spanish Dance - Op. 12, No. 5 Bolero Paquita Madriguera
DA-027 Moussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition Promenade, and An Old Castle Serge Prokofieff
DA-075 Mozart The Magic Flute Overture Ganz & Hutcheson
DA-045 Mozart - Chopin "Don Juan" Variations, Op. 2 Robert Goldsand
DA-002 Prokofieff Rigaudon - Op. 12, No. 3 Serge Prokofieff
DA-004 Prokofieff Scherzo - Op. 12, No. 10 Serge Prokofieff
DA-026 Prokofieff The Love of Three Oranges: Intermezzo Serge Prokofieff
DA-009 Rimsky-Korsakoff Sheherezade - Fantasia arrangement Serge Prokofieff
DA-036 Saint-Saens Mazurka No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 21 Camille Saint-Saens
DA-035 Saint-Saens Mazurka, Op. 66 Camille Saint-Saens
DA-022 Saint-Saens Samson and Delilah Improvisation Camille Saint-Saens
DA-007 Scarlatti Caprice in G - Op. 14, No. 3 Ignace Paderewski
DA-021 Schubert - Horowitz Liebesbotschaft Vladimir Horowitz
DA-076 Schumann Nachtstuck, Op.23, No.4 Guiomar Noaes
DA-031 Schumann Sonata in G Minor, Op. 22 - 1st Mvt Percy Grainger
DA-032 Schumann Sonata in G Minor, Op. 22 - 2nd Mvt Percy Grainger
DA-033 Schumann Sonata in G Minor, Op. 22 - 3rd & 4th Mvt Percy Grainger
DA-010 Scriabin Etude - Op. 8 No. 12 (Pathetic) Alfred Cortot
DA-008 Scriabin Prelude - Op. 45 No. 3 / Winged Poem - Op. 51 No. 3 Serge Prokofieff
DA-052 Sibelius Finlandia Overture, Op. 26, No. 7 Ganz and Hutcheson
DA-077 Sibelius Romance, Op.24, No.9 D-Flat Rudolph Ganz
DA-078 Verdi-Liszt "Aida" Selections Battle Hymn, Act 1; Celeste Aida; O Terra-adio: Triumphal Scene Robert Armbruster
DA-023 Verdi-Liszt Rigoletto Paraphrase Shura Cherkassky

DA-001 / Spanish Dances - Op. 12, No. 5 "Bolero" (Moszkowski) $15
played by Paquita Madriguera (originally issued on Duo-Art 58598 / January 1917)

Moszkowski was a Polish composer (1854-1925) whose Op. 12 "Spanish Dances" includes this Bolero as No. 5. Paquita Madriguera was a student of Enrique Granados, who (according to Charles Davis Smith's Duo-Art rollography) said that she played his music better than he could play it himself! This is a very lively, happy tune which was not issued on Ampico.

DA-002 / Rigaudon - Op. 12, No. 3 (Prokofieff) $14
DA-004 / Scherzo - Op. 12, No. 10 (Prokofieff) $15
played by the Composer Serge Prokofieff (orig. Duo-Art 63440, Oct. 1920 / 67740, July 1924)

DA-003 / Gavotte - Op. 49, No. 3 (Glazounow) $15
played by Serge Prokofieff (originally issued on Duo-Art 63770 / December 1920)

Rigaudon sounds like a stroll in the countryside, while the Scherzo sounds like a ride in a roller coaster! Prokofieff is all over the piano, and it is a LOT of fun. Prokofieff was an important 20th-century Russian composer who recorded 17 Duo-Art rolls first issued between 1919 and 1924. These include 11 of his own compositions, such as these two pieces, the Rigaudon and Scherzo from his Op. 12 ("Ten Pieces"). Prokofieff was active in the United States during this period, which included a commision for his new opera "Love of Three Oranges" which made its premier in Chicago on December 30, 1921.

Glazounow was another Russian composer, and pupil of Rimsky-Korsakov. This is one of just seven Glazounow pieces to appear on Duo-Art rolls, all shorter rolls such as this one. This Gavotte features a lovely melody and playful piano effects.

DA-006 / Scherzo - Op. 20 (Chopin) $18
played by John Powell (originally issued on Duo-Art 6490 / December 1921)

This Scherzo Op. 20 is one of the hugely popular Chopin Scherzos, and deservedly so. This expansive composition (over 7 minutes of bliss!) covers many moods, from the fast and furious to the peaceful and sublime. Surprisingly, this famous Scherzo (#1 of 4) never appeared on an Ampico roll, so if you have a Duo-Art piano you are in luck! John Powell isn't well-known today, but he was an American from Virginia who concertized throughout Europe as well as in the States, and studied with Leschetizky for 5 years. This is an outstanding roll of an outstanding composition.

DA-007 / Caprice in G - Op. 14, No. 3 a la Scarlatti (Padarewski) $15
played by the Composer Ignace Paderewski (originally issued on Duo-Art 6558 / October 1922)

Scarlatti (1685 - 1757) was a prolific keyboard composer, writing over 550 sonatas (!) for his pupil, the Portuguese Princess Maria Barbara, who later became the Queen of Spain. His early sonatas were not as expansive as the later works of composers such as Beethoven, Mozart or even Haydn; some of Scarlatti's lasted just a few minutes - not unlike the present work, which was rearranged by our pianist Ignace Paderewski. This is a lively dance and lovely baroque-style piece, composed by Paderewski after inspiration from Scarlatti. The Hinson guide to piano repertoire cautions the pianist that "sparkling salon pianism (is) required". This is a very nice piece and very good roll!

DA-008 / Prelude - Op. 45 No. 3 / Winged Poem - Op. 51 No. 3 (Scriabin) $15
DA-009 / Sheherezade - Fantasia arrangement (Rimsky-Korsakoff) $18
played by Serge Prokofieff (originally issued on Duo-Art 65120, March 1922 / 7001-4, May 1926)

DA-010 / Etude - Op. 8 No. 12 ("Pathetic") (Scriabin) $15
played by Alfred Cortot (originally issued on Duo-Art 66230 / May 1923)

Here are two more fine Prokofieff rolls (also see rolls DA-002, 003 & 004 above). Scriabin pieces are always worth the effort to find. This Sheharezade arrangement is longer and very enjoyable. I had a music teacher once who said that pieces like this "reward repeated listening" and I heartily agree.

DA-011 / Capriccio - Op. 76 No. 2 (Brahms) $15
played by Arthur Rubinstein (originally issued on Duo-Art 65969 / February 1923)

Brahms' Caprice is a very lively dance you'll certainly enjoy ("cheerful; requires a delicate staccato" according to the Hinson guide to the pianist's repertoire). It is taken from Op. 76 Eight Pieces ("Klavierstucke"), first published in 1879. This is one of only three Brahms rolls that Arthur Rubinstein recorded; see also Brahms' Rhapsody, Op. 79 #2 (DA-038, below).

DA-013 / Concerto in E Minor, Op. 11, 1st Mvmnt. / Pt. 1 (Chopin)
DA-014 / Concerto in E Minor, Op. 11, 1st Mvmnt. / Pt. 2 (Chopin)
DA-015 / Concerto in E Minor, Op. 11, 2nd Mvmnt. (Chopin)
DA-016 / Concerto in E Minor, Op. 11, 3rd Mvmnt. (Chopin)
played by Josef Hofmann (originally issued on Duo-Art 6915, 6916, 6917, 6918 / October 1925)

SOLD ONLY AS A 4-ROLL SET (four LARGE rolls) $75

This 4-roll set is a fine version of Chopin's E Minor Piano Concerto. The arrangement is similar to the 4-handed piano arrangement edited by Paderewski and others, which can be found today in an inexpensive Dover publication. There is plenty of exciting pianism in the flashy parts, and the second movement (Romance, Larghetto) is absolutely beautiful. The expression is outstanding throughout. Treat yourself to the pleasure of playing this unusual (on music rolls, anyway), extended Chopin composition!

I recently acquired a CD of Josef Hofmann playing this concerto live, from a recording recently found at the International Piano Archives at Maryland. The CD is available from Vai Audio and you can read more about it at http://www.vaimusic.com.

DA-017 / Scherzo No. 2, Op. 31 in E Minor (Chopin) $22
played by Josef Hofmann (originally issued on Duo-Art 6118-0 / June 1919)

Here is one more Josef Hofmann performance - Chopin's famous Scherzo No. 2. The entire piece is incredibly dramatic and passionate, and the second half builds to an incredible climax. This is an extra-long roll (over 85 feet!) and is a true showpiece.

DA-018 / La Plus que Lente ("As slowly as possible") (Debussy) $15
DA-019 / Danse (Debussy) $18
played by Arthur Rubinstein (originally issued on Duo-Art 6182-3, Oct. 1919 / 63549, Nov. 1920)

Rubinstein recorded 3 Debussy compositions, and these two are among Debussy's most popular pieces. La Plus que Lente is a gentle piece calling for judicious rubato, which Rubinstein certainly delivers. It is one of Debussy's later compositions, from 1910. Danse is one of Debussy's earliest compositions (from 1890) and is a lively, energetic tune.

DA-020 / Carmen Variations (Bizet - Horowitz) $15
DA-021 / Liebesbotschaft (Schubert - Liszt) $15
played by Vladimir Horowitz (originally issued on Duo-Art 7250, Oct. 1928 / 7282, Feb. 1929)

Horowitz recorded 7 rolls for Duo-Art. His transcription of Carmen Variations is quite technical and bold, but is still very accessible, exciting and dramatic. The same performance was recorded for RCA in April 1928 and is available on CD (on an RCA release featuring Pictures at an Exhibition). The liner notes tell us this was Horowitz' first transcription, based on the Act II Gypsy Dance; he wrote it in 1923 and revised it a number of times.

Liebesbotschaft provides the opposite end of the musical spectrum. It is a lovely, lilting tune with a delicate melody and rich harmonies and arpeggios. Horowitz continued to perform many beautiful Schubert pieces like this throughout his career.

DA-022 / Samson and Delilah Improvisation (Saint-Saëns) $18
played by the Composer Camille Saint-Saëns (originally issued on Duo-Art 5696 / Nov. 1915)

Saint-Saëns was an 'excellent craftsman known as the "French Mendelssohn"', according to one of my references. He recorded 6 Duo-Art rolls, all but one of which were his own compositions. This is one of three that appeared in 1915, and is an improvisation on two themes from his opera Samson and Delilah: "Dance of the Priestesses of Dagon" and "Spring Voices Are Singing". The first theme is a lively dance, while the latter is a more emotional and like an aria. Altogether an excellent performance!

DA-023 / Rigoletto Paraphrase (Verdi-Liszt) $20
played by Shura Cherkassky (originally issued on Duo-Art 71300 / June 1927)

Liszt's well-known Rigoletto Paraphrase is based on the quartet from Act III of Verdi's great opera. It is one of Liszt's best-known pieces, and is always a pleasure to hear again. Shura Cherkassky was just a lad of 14 when his first Duo-Art roll was issued in 1924, but had reached the wise old age of 16 when this was issued in 1927! Great melody, great piano composition, and great performance by Mr. Cherkassky.

DA-026 The Love of Three Oranges: Intermezzo (Prokofieff) $14
played by the Composer Serge Prokofieff (originally issued on Duo-Art 6477 / October 1921)

DA-027 Pictures at an Exhibition (Promenade, and An Old Castle) (Moussorgsky) $18
played by Serge Prokofieff (originally issued on Duo-Art 70299 / January 1923)

Prokofieff wrote his opera The Love of Three Oranges in 1921, so it had just appeared when this roll of the composer playing a brief Intermezzo was issued in October of 1921. The opera made its debut in Chicago on December 30, 1921. I won't try to sugarcoat this for you, this is a very short and peculiar piece of music! This is copied from an exceedingly rare original roll.

Pictures at an Exhibition is one of my very favorite pieces of classical piano music, published in 1886 after the composer's death. It is appropriate that this roll was issued in 1921 as well as the previous Prokofieff roll here, for that was the year in which Ravel was commissioned to create his famous orchestral arrangement of the suite. An Old Castle is the 2nd of 10 pieces, each proceeded by a variation of the Promenade. An Old Castle is a beautiful, haunting composition and is beautifully played here. I believe this is the first time either of these Prokofieff rolls has been reissued!

DA-028 Two Etudes: Op. 10, No. 6 (in Ebm) / 25, No. 12 (Cm) (Chopin) $18
played by Vladimir Horowitz (originally issued on Duo-Art 7287 / December 1928)

Two Etudes, indeed! What an understatement - these will knock your socks off. The first is a soft, beautiful, emotional piece while the second is a fast, furious rush of arpeggios. This roll will really show off your piano and reminds us of what an exceptional musician Vladimir Horowitz was.

DA-029 Islamey (Balakirev) $25
played by Beryl Rubinstein (originally issued on Duo-Art 6537 / June 1922)

Islamey is one of the most famous "war horses" of Russian piano literature. This "oriental fantasy" is a bombastic piece from 1869. Composer Mily Balakirev was one of "The Five" famous Russian composers, and he dedicated it to Nicholas Rubinstein (younger brother of Anton). I love the way it is described in Hinton's guide: "The main theme is a tune Balakirev picked up on his travels in the Caucasus. He combined it with a Tartar melody and wove these materials into a rich pianistic fabric. It is his most famous work for piano and is based on Lisztian technique. A forbidding peak in the repertoire; accessible only to the most intrepid." It also clocks in at 8-10 minutes (depending on your taste)!

DA-030 Nocturne Op. 15 No. 2 (Chopin) $15
played by Arthur Rubinstein (originally issued on Duo-Art 6162-4 / July 1919)

This is one of Chopin's earlier nocturnes, and one of his most popular - you will probably recognize it when you hear it. It features a lovely, lyrical melody and an agitated middle section with beautiful, lush harmonies. This is one of my favorite pieces!

DA-031 Sonata in G Minor, Op. 22 - 1st Movement (Schumann)
DA-032 Sonata in G Minor, Op. 22 - 2nd Movement (Schumann)
DA-033 Sonata in G Minor, Op. 22 - 3rd & 4th Movements (Schumann)
played by Percy Grainger (originally issued on Duo-Art 73610 / 73620 / 73630 / November 1929)

SOLD ONLY AS A 3-ROLL SET (two regular & one LARGE roll - over 120' of music!) $50

This sonata was composed between 1833 - 1838, and published in 1839. It is known as the 2nd of his 3 piano sonatas; but was actually completed last (the "3rd", op. 14, was composed 1835 - 1836). Op. 22 was also the end of Schumann's exclusive attention to solo piano compositions; hereafter he focused primarily on songs (lieder), symphonies, and chamber music.

The 1st movement is lively and fun, clocking in around 5 minutes. The 2nd movement (andantino) is slow graceful, and beautiful. The 3rd (scherzo) and 4th (rondo, presto) movements are again lively and lead up to a brilliant ending ("schneller und schneller…"). The 2nd movement is just under 5 minutes, and the 3rd & 4th come to 8 minutes. This is a very pleasing set and a worthy addition to your collection.

DA-034 Hungarian Dance #8 (Brahms) $15
played by Harold Bauer (originally issued on Duo-Art 5668 / July 1915)

Brahms' Hungarian dances are a lively group of pieces, as one might expect by the title. This one is marked "presto" and it's a barn-burner! There is plenty of dazzling material here and Bauer plays it up big. He follows the repeats when called for in the music, and there's an incredible "glissando" measure with a dozen rapid-fire octaves played in each hand in contrary motion. I'd sure like to know how a pianist pulls this off, especially at this tempo! This is a fun piece of music, which you will really enjoy.

DA-035 Mazurka, Op. 66 (Saint-Saëns) $16
played by the Composer Camille Saint-Saëns (originally issued on Duo-Art 5674 / September 1915)

Camille Saint-Saëns wrote 3 mazurkas - op. 21, 24, and 66. He recorded this 3rd one for Duo-Art, which was released in 1915 (Saint-Saëns also recorded this 3rd mazurka for Welte in 1905!). These are fairly obscure pieces of music, but interesting and nicely played. I particularly like a section marked "tranquil" which requires the pianist to play cross-handed. If you listen for it, you can tell that's what he is doing.

DA-036 Mazurka No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 21 (Saint-Saëns) $15
played by the Composer Camille Saint-Saëns (originally issued on Duo-Art 5945 / November 1917)

Saint-Saëns probably recorded his this, his 1st mazurka for Duo-Art around the same time as his other 5 Duo-Art rolls, but it was issued two years later. This Mazurka is performed in a very nice, relaxed waltz tempo.

DA-037 Chaconne - Andante Maestoso, Op. 21 (Bach - Busoni) $26
played by the Composer Ferruccio Busoni (originally issued on Duo-Art 6928-5 / November 1925)

This is an exciting and dramatic piece of music, and one of the greatest gems I've issued. Busoni made this transcription from J.S. Bach's Suite in D Minor for solo violin (BWV 1004) and it it truly fascinating. I don't recall hearing it before I found this roll, but I've looked for it since and it keeps turning up - just in the last month I've read about it being performed live in the Chicago area, both as a piano solo and as a violin solo! Arthur Rubinstein recorded it in 1970, and there are many other recordings available if you'd like to audition it before buying the roll - it's on the 1st Jorge Demus "Great Pianists" CD, and on an excellent CD on the Naxos label. Be sure to give it a listen, it's a wonderful piece.

If you're really adventurous, I also recommend listening to the original violin solo, it's incredible how Busoni has been able to maintain the exact same structure of this solo in terms of melodies and including everything that was in the original violin solo, and yet to transform it into something so beautifully pianistic. My reference was a readily-available CD of the violin solo by Jascha Heifetz, recorded in 1970. If you're interested in following along with the music, I was able to buy a nice downloadable copy at Everynote.com for just $1.75. This is currently one of my very favorite pieces of piano music!

DA-038 Rhapsody in B Minor, Op. 79 No. 1 (Brahms) $20
played by Arthur Rubinstein (originally issued on Duo-Art 6744-4 / April 1924)

Brahms' first Rhapsody is a very dramatic piece of music, clocking in around 9 minutes. In his autobiography "My Young Years" Rubinstein tells a neat story of playing the two op. 79 Brahms Rhapsodies at a very early age for Eugen D'Albert. Rubinstein initially recorded it for the phonograph in 1941, again in 1953, and (finally in stereo!) in 1970. For the latter issue (the 1971 LP was "The Brahms I Love"), Rubinstein said the following to describe Brahms and this piece: "In my very early years I had the honor to be a protégé of Joseph Joachim, the legendary interpreter, advisor and friend of Brahms, and through him I was immersed in Brahms' music from the very beginning. You must remember that Brahms was alive until I was 10 years old, so for me he was a living composer, not an 'old master.' I still approach his music with this feeling, and in my own way I try to give the essence of the Brahms I grew to love in those early days. The two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 ... are big, heroic concert pieces. They are also ballade-like in nature, and ... they immediately capture the enthusiasm of any audience."

DA-039 Andante Spianato and Polonaise, Op. 22 (Chopin - Liszt) $26
played by Alfred Cortot (originally issued on Duo-Art 6365 / November 1920)

This is one of the longest and most beautiful Chopin rolls around. The Andante Spianato is classic Chopin - delicate and very beautifully melodic. The Polonaise portion is dramatic and exciting - originally scored for orchestral accompaniment, as in many audio recordings such as those by Arthur Rubinstein. This is a long, outstanding roll of music!

DA-040 Etude, Op. 25, No. 9 in Gb Major ("Butterfly") (Chopin) $14
played by Ignace Paderewski (originally issued on Duo-Art 6097 / ca. April 1919)

DA-041 Fantasie Impromptu, Op. 66 in C# Minor (Chopin) $18
played by Harold Bauer (originally issued on Duo-Art 6058-4 / October 1918)

No doubt you are familiar with the famous Chopin "Butterfly" Etude - it is a quick but awesome piece of music, with fast octave jumps in the right hand which give it its namesake. It is extremely well-known and a very lively, fun piece of music - as is the Fantasie Impromptu, with its lovely middle section melody used in the pop song "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows." The latter was one of the first songs I ever heard on a reproducing piano roll, and it has always been special for me. These rolls are played by the early 20th century piano masters Ignace Paderewski and Harold Bauer.

DA-042 Nocturne, Op. 32, No. 2 in Ab Major (Chopin) $16
played by Rudolph Ganz (originally issued on Duo-Art 6966-4 / February 1926)

DA-043 Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2 in Eb Major (Chopin) $16
played by Leopold Godowsky (originally issued on Duo-Art 5771 / May 1916)

This first Chopin Nocturne (Op. 32, #2) is not as well-known as some of the others, but it is a beautiful, gentle piece that will give you over 5 minutes of high quality listening! Rudolph Ganz recorded many fine rolls for Duo-Art throughout the 'teens and twenties. This is the only Chopin Nocturne he recorded.

The latter Nocturne (Op. 9, No. 2) is one of Chopin's best-known. Godowsky's is the only Duo-Art roll of this classic composition that was ever issued. Of the 8 rolls that Godowsky recorded for Duo-Art, all but one were Chopin compositions (this was also the only Chopin Nocturne that Godowsky recorded). This is a lovely, graceful piece of music.

DA-044 "Military" Polonaise, Op. 40, No. 1 in A Major (Chopin) $18
played by Ignace Paderewski (originally issued on Duo-Art 6140 / December 1919)

DA-045 "Don Juan" Variations, Op. 2 (Mozart - Chopin) $30
played by Robert Goldsand (originally issued on Duo-Art 7440-3 / December 1931)

Chopin's Military Polonaise is certainly one of his best-known compositions - it even appears as background music in one scene of a Marx Brothers movie! This roll by Paderewski was released in December 1919, but his phonograph recording of the same piece was made all the way back in 1911.

This roll of the Don Juan Variations is a very late Duo-Art roll (1931!), and an extremely long piece - over 100' of music on a single roll! You will be treated to approximately 20 minutes of heavenly Chopin arrangement of the "La ci darem la mane" theme from Mozart's great opera. The original roll from which I was able to reissue this fine piece was in very good shape, but it was still a relief to get this great music copied onto sturdy new paper.

DA-046 Andaluza - Danza Espanolas, No. 5 (Granados) $16
played by the Composer Enrique Granados (originally issued on Duo-Art 5758 / May 1916)

DA-047 Sonata in D, No. 37 - Allegro Con Brio (Haydn) $20
played by Rudolph Ganz (originally issued on Duo-Art 6835-4 / January 1925)

Granados wrote some lovely Spanish piano music, the most famous probably being his suite "Goyescas". This dance "Andaluza" in 6/8 time is the 5th from his series of Twelve Spanish Dances, of which he personally recorded five for Duo-Art rolls (issued 1916-1919). Granados also made phonograph recording of the 7th dance ca. 1912 for the Spanish Odeon, which is as lively and fun as this roll.

This Haydn Sonata has always been a favorite, and it is the only Haydn sonata that was ever issued on Duo-Art. The fact that it is a complete recording of all 3 movements on a single roll makes it that much nicer! Although the roll label and Duo-Art rollography identify this roll as Sonata #7, there is considerable confusion depending on which numbering scheme is used; while three older schemes identify this as #7, the Hoboken catalog and Dover reprint identify this as #37. Either way, this is an energetic performance which I am sure you will enjoy.

DA-048 La Campanella - Paganini Etude No. 3 in G Sharp Minor (Liszt) $18
played by Ferruccio Busoni (originally issued on Duo-Art 5698 / November 1915)

DA-049 Gondoliera - Annes de Pelerinage, Venezia a Napoli (Liszt) $18
played by Rudolph Ganz (originally issued on Duo-Art 6571 / November 1922)

DA-050 La Chasse ("The Chase") - Paganini Etude No. 5 in E Major (Liszt) $15
played by Ferruccio Busoni (originally issued on Duo-Art 5671 / July 1915)

Both of these Liszt Paganini Etudes ("Grandes Etudes de Paganini") are lively pieces that sound like feverish Gypsy dances with usual Liszt pyrotechnics - quick runs up the keyboard, and what sounds like three hands' worth of music to be played by the two-handed pianist! Liszt published this set in 1851, dedicating it to his close friend Clara Schumann. Paganini Etude #3, better known as "La Campanella", is the most famous piece in this series. Paganini Etude #5 has the subtitle "La Chasse" or "The Chase." Of the six etudes in this series, these are the only two recorded for Duo-Art by Ferruccio Busoni.

Gondoleria by contrast is the introspective, beautiful piece from the Années de Pelerinage, Supplement (Venezia e Napoli) to the Second Year (L'Italie). Like the Paganini Etudes it clocks in around 5 minutes, but unlike the etudes this peaceful and calm. That of course doesn't mean that the pianist has an easy time of it - Liszt still keeps it challenging.

DA-051 Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14 in E Major (Mendelssohn) $18
played by Josef Hofmann (originally issued on Duo-Art 6119 / April 1919)

DA-052 Finlandia Overture, Op. 26, No. 7 (Sibelius) $20
played by Ganz and Hutcheson (originally issued on Duo-Art 539-4 / April 1928)

Mendelssohn's Rondo Capriccioso spends about the first two minutes in a quiet, contemplative mood (much like Liszt's Gondoleria - see above) but from there it breaks out into a lively dance, more like the Paganini Etudes!

Finlandia is possibly the most famous piece by the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It was written in 1899 while Finland was still under the rule of Tsarist Russia, as an expression of patriotic opposition and a hymn of national determination (there seems to be a lot more of that these last few years, doesn't there?!). This 4-handed piano arrangement of the symphonic poem is dramatic and beautiful.

DA-057 Two-Part Inventions, Nos. 1, 6 & 8 (BWV 772, 777, 779) (J. S. Bach) $16
played by Harold Bauer (originally issued on Duo-Art 6392 / February 1921)

J.S. Bach is not very common on Duo-Art rolls, but Bauer's performance of these three Two-Part Inventions is quite enjoyable. These pieces are very well known, with perhaps less of the technical challenges of much of the later piano repertoire but still important to play well in order to capture the audience's attention. Needless to say, Bauer is up to the task! #8 is particularly lively and very popular - you may remember it from the original Switched-On Bach LP (you still have a few of those in the house, don't you?!). These are beautiful performances you will certainly enjoy.

DA-058 Rhapsodie in E-Flat Major, Op. 119 No. 4 (Brahms) $16
played by Dame Myra Hess (originally issued on Duo-Art 67050 / January 1924)

This Rhapsody is #4 of Brahms' Klavierstucke, Op. 119 published in 1893 and one of his last published pieces. The 3rd of these pieces (Intermezzo in C Major) is perhaps better known but this piece is every bit as exciting and worthy of your time. It features a dramatic middle section surrounded by livelier sections on either side. Myra Hess (1890 - 1965) had a substantial pre-war career in the UK (her professional debut was 1908 in London) and she made her New York debut in 1922. She is no doubt best known today for her lunchtime recitals in London during World War II, for which she was made Dame of the British Empire. She recorded about a dozen Duo-Art rolls between 1923 and 1929.

DA-059 Variations, Op. 35 (14 Selections from Books 1 & 2) (Brahms - Paganini) $21
played by Wilhelm Bachaus (originally issued on Duo-Art 6813 / November 1924)

Brahms (1833 - 1897) was a piano specialist all of his life. This Variations is among Brahms' earlier works and is very challenging technically for the pianist (also very interesting for the listener!). Brahms was very critical of his own work, and only left us pieces which he deemed worthy. These variations on themes by Paganini are very lively and engaging. The performance here lasts about 9 very satisfying minutes. Bachaus (1884 - 1969, more often spelled "Backhaus" today) was an important and popular pianist of the early 1900's, making phonograph records as early as 1908! He is one of the many great pianists featured in the mammoth Philips 100-pair CD sets of Great Pianists of the 20th Century.

DA-060 Ballade #3 in A-Flat Major, Op. 47 (Chopin) $21
played by Ignace Jan Paderewski (originally issued on Duo-Art 6832-8 / January 1925)

Paderewski needs no introduction. This reading of Chopin's Ballade in AbM is very dramatic and enjoyable. This Ballade is among Chopin's most beautiful piano compositions - it's the one that starts with a single E-flat above middle C and moves in both directions from there. This performance is over 9 minutes long.

DA-061 Mazurka in B-Flat Minor, Op. 24 No. 4 (Chopin) $16
played by Ignace Jan Paderewski (originally issued on Duo-Art 6566 / November 1922)

This Mazurka has several contrasting sections and is quite interesting, as are all of Chopin's mazurkas. It ends with a "mournful coda" (quoting Hinson) that seems to drift off. A very nice piece of music!

DA-062 Polonaise in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 44 (Chopin) $21
played by Arthur Rubinstein (originally issued on Duo-Art 6505 / February 1922)

Chopin's Polonaises are all very exciting, and this Op. 44 is "the best of the polonaises" (again quoting Hinson). "Much rhythmic drive, mazurka in mid-section, majestic climax, material well developed." Arthur Rubinstein first commited the Polonaises to shellac for EMI in 1934 - 1935 (*), so if you wanted to hear him play Op. 44 in your home prior to that, you would have needed to visit your Duo-Art roll dealer!

*BTW, these 1934-35 performances can all be heard in Vol. 4 of the complete Rubinstein CD collection, RCA CD-63004). Rubinstein recorded them again in 1951 for LP, and in 1964 for the Living Stereo release.

DA-063 Polonaise in A-Flat Major, Op. 53 (Chopin) $21
played by Josef Hofmann (originally issued on Duo-Art 6550-5 / September 1922)

If Op. 44 is "the best of the polonaises," then Op. 53 can brag of being "the best KNOWN of the polonaises. A superb epic with an aristocratic march theme. Arpeggiated chords open the trio, which is full of a rhythmic melodic theme; lyric passage leads back to the noble opening idea."

DA-064 Valse Brillante, Op. 34 No. 1 (Chopin) $16
played by Ignace Jan Paderewski (originally issued on Duo-Art 6551-8 / September 1922)

Valse Brillante is another Chopin classic, and justifiably popular. It is a beautiful, upbeat, grand piece which is immediately recognizable. It was published in 1835, placing it squarely in the middle of his many popular compositions.

DA-065 Valse, Op. 64 No. 2 (Chopin) $14
played by Josef Hofmann (originally issued on Duo-Art 6073 / April 1919)

Chopin's Valse, Op. 64 No. 2 is a beautiful, light piece with a touch of the minor mode "Polish" sound that characterizes his mazurkas. It is instantly recognizable and rightfully popular.

DA-066 Prelude a l'Apres-midi d'un Faune (Debussy) $21
played by E. Robert Schmitz (originally issued on Duo-Art 6532 / May 1922)

Here is an opportunity to wash your piano with a healthy dose of impressionism, even if Debussy hated the term! This is one of his classic compositions which defined the genre. Debussy (1862 - 1918) published his Prelude a l'Apres-midi d'un Faune in 1894, placing this at the end of what is generally considered his "early" works. This piano transcription of the famous orchestral piece was constructed by E. Robert Schmitz, our pianist for this roll performance. Schmitz (1889 - 1949) was a very interesting fellow, born and schooled in Paris. He knew Debussy personally, who coached Schmitz on his performances of Debussy's works. Writer David Dubal has more interesting things to say about Schmitz, and this can be found online (along with several other very interesting articles) if one cares to "Google" E. Robert Schmitz. Schmitz also published a book in 1950 on performing Debussy's piano works, which is readily available today. The intro to that book tells us that Schmitz had also undertaken a project with RCAVictor to record Debussy's entire piano works, but alas this was incomplete upon Schmitz' death.

DA-067 Caprice on "Airs de Ballet" from Gluck's Alceste (arr. Saint-Saens) $21
played by Guiomar Novaes (originally issued on Duo-Art 6216-4 / December 1919)

Gluck (1714 - 1787) is famous today for reforming opera from the excesses of his day, characterized primarily by shameless embellishment on the part of the singer, sacrificing the flow of the story and drama. His Orpheo (recently performed in Chicago) speaks to this. His Alceste "made a profound impression on the public, which included the 11-year-old Mozart and his father" (New Penguin Opera Guide). St. Saens wrote this piano arrangement of airs from Alceste, which is "one of the composer's most brilliant and most frequently performed works" (Hinson). Guiomar Novaes (1895 - 1979) was a Brazilian pianist who studied under Ferruccio Busoni and later recorded over two dozen rolls for Duo-Art. She recorded extensively throughout her career, and can be heard on a variety of CD's today. There is also considerable information about her available online, which is worth exploring. This lengthy roll is a theme - and - variations on a popular air from this opera. It is in an earlier, more formal musical style which contrasts nicely with the later, more romantic works that make up most of the Duo-Art repertoire.

DA-068 Allegro de Concierto (Granados) $21
played by Paquita Madriguera (originally issued on Duo-Art 58308 / November 1916)

Granados (1867 - 1916) is one of the great Spanish composers, and Paquita Madriguera was "his favorite pupil" (see Smith's Duo-Art Rollography). Madriguera later taught piano to a certain Alicia de Larrocha! You can hear Larrocha's performance of this and many other great Spanish (and other) compositions on CD. In the liner notes to one of Larrocha's CD's, on which she plays this Allegro de Concerto, we learn that this is "untypical of its composer: written in 1904, it was Granados' prize-winning entry in a competition to provide a virtuosic test-piece for the Madrid Conservatoire. Its element of extrovert display, almost in the Lisztian manner, is however tempered by more lyrical passages ... [carrying] an immediate echo of Chopin's Op. 22, and the music itself ... is clearly something in the nature of a homage to a composer with whom Granados felt a particular sympathy." (Piers Burton-Page, from London CD 410 288). This is an outstanding composition and music roll.

DA-069 Caprice Viennois, Op. 2 (Kreisler) $14
played by Erno Rapee (originally issued on Duo-Art 6290 / May 1920)

Fritz Kreisler (1875) wrote many "miniatures" which were particularly useful as encores for his violin concerts. Caprice Viennois is one of his earliest (Op. 2) and always a popular favorite - in fact it is the opening piece in a CD by Itzhak Perlman of "My Favorite Kreisler". Like many of his pieces, it is spritely and reminiscent of his native Vienna. Since Kreisler transcribed many piano pieces for use on violin, it is only fair that the pianists take the opportunity to transcribe some of Kreisler's own melodies back to the piano! Erno Rapee (1891 - 1945) was Hungarian who studied with the famous Liszt student Emil Sauer. Rapee recorded dozens of rolls for Duo-Art, especially in the 1920-21 timeframe but also as late as 1927, after which he was active in Hollywood and on the radio. The violin style is quite evident in this piece, and it makes for a very pleasing music roll.

DA-070 Hungarian Rhapsody No. 9, "Pesther Carnival" (Liszt) $26
played by Arthur Friedheim (originally issued on Duo-Art 5816-3 / October 1916)

This is a heavy-hitter all around. It's Liszt, it's one of the outstanding Hungarian Rhapsodies, This roll is played by the famous Liszt student Arthur Friedheim (1859 - 1932) who was a close friend of Liszt's and wrote a book about his experiences (see Recommended Reading list for details). This is a very long, enjoyable roll clocking in around 10 minutes.

DA-071 Liebestraum "Dream of Love" / Nocturne No. 2 (Liszt) $14
played by Rudolph Ganz (originally issued on Duo-Art 5513 / February 1914)

Liszt's three Liebestraume ("Dreams of Love") are know individually as (1) Exalted Love; (2) Blissful Death; and (3) O Love. The third is probably best known, but this second one is also very nice - calm, quiet, introspective, and beautiful. Rudolph Ganz (1877 - 1972) is a very well-known Duo-Artist and was a musical fixture in Chicago after performing throughout Europe.

DA-072 Paganini Etude No. 2 in E-Flat Major (Liszt) $16
played by Harold Bauer (originally issued on Duo-Art 6005 / April 1918)

Liszt published his six Paganini Etudes in 1851. All are quite dazzling pieces; this 2nd one features fast-moving chromatic sixths played with both hands, and cross-hands sections which make for a very exciting performance. Harold Bauer (1873 - 1951) was one of the most prolific Duo-Art artists and needs no introduction here!

DA-073 Tarantella, from Annees de Pelerinage, Venezia e Napoli (Liszt) $21
played by Josef Hofmann (originally issued on Duo-Art 6373 / December 1920)

There are several piano pieces known as Tarantella, and this is certainly NOT the most common of them! However this must be among the most exciting and virtuosic of them all. It is taken from Liszt's set Annees de Pelerinage (Years of Pilgrimage), Venezia e Napoli, Supplement to Vol. II. Hinson's Guide puts it this way: "brilliant and full of display, ... virtuosic chord passages; an elaborate fantasy in which the spirit of the tarantella is dissected and put back together in a variety of moods." This roll gives you over 9 minutes of dazzling piano performance.

DA-074 Fingals Cave Overture (aka Hebrides Overture), Op. 26 (Mendelssohn) $21
played by E. Robert Schmitz (originally issued on Duo-Art 6532 / May 1922)

Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847) began writing his Fingals Cave Overture at the age of 20 after his early success in London and a visit to the NW coast of Scotland with his friend Carl Klingemann. They took a steamer in rough seas to the mouth of the famous Fingal's Cave, and it is not difficult to imagine Mendelssohn's impression of the cave and his voyage throughout this piece. After about 4 minutes of development we hear a calm section of music, then after 6 - 7 minutes again the pace is picked up for the final few minutes as Mendelssohn recaps the journey. He revised the score several times before its debut in 1833. This composition was unique for its time in that it was not a summary of "hits" from a larger work of music, but rather a single-movement bit of drama meant to stand on its own. Anybody for a game of golf before the boat leaves? (Note: pianist E. Robert Schmitz is discussed above with DA-066)

DA-075 Magic Flute Overture (Mozart) $18
played by Hutcheson & Ganz (originally issued on Duo-Art 536-4 / October 1927)

Mozart's Magic Flute is one of the favorite operas of all time. The music, story, and humor are all very engaging and the only disappointment is that it's over too soon! The overture is lively and a lot of fun. If you have seen the Ingmar Bergman movie of Magic Flute, you will have a hard time not recalling his opening sequence switching between various audience members' rapt faces as they enjoy this overture being played live in their theater.

DA-076 Nachtstucke in F Major, Op. 23, No. 4 (Schumann) $14
played by Guiomar Noaves (originally issued on Duo-Art 6488 / December 1921)

This Nachtstuck will likely sound familiar to most listeners. Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856) published four Nachtstucke in 1839, on the heels of Kinderszenen and Kreisleriana published the previous year. It's a very pretty song, mostly consisting of a light melody over chords and arpeggiated chords in the left hand - somewhat like much of Schubert's earlier Impromptu, Op. 90 #1 (that's a compliment!). Here again we have Brazilian pianist Guiomar Novaes (1895 - 1979) discussed elsewhere on this list.

DA-077 Romance in D Flat, Op. 24, No. 9 (Sibelius) $14
played by Rudolph Ganz (originally issued on Duo-Art 58420 / December 1916)

Sibelius (1865 - 1957) is best known for his orchestral compositions (Finlandia being perhaps his most famous), but he did compose over 100 pieces for the piano, including several sonatas and this Romance from ca. 1903. Ganz was always an advocate for new music, which this would likely have still been considered when it appeared on Duo-Art in December 1916. It is actually quite romantic, with a nice melody, rich thick chordal texture, and a very dramatic, flashy middle section.

DA-078 Aida Selections - Battle Hymn, Celeste Aida, O Terra addio, Triumphal Scene (Verdi) $21
played by Robert Armbruster (originally issued on Duo-Art 66769 / October 1923)

Aida is another great operatic favorite, written by Verdi in 1870 for the new opera house in Cairo. Initially he had demured, but he couldn't resist after learning that the commission was going to be offered to another. Aida is the typical operatic story of love, betrayal, etc. but takes place in ancient Egypt. It was wildly popular at the time, and has continued to be to this day with the hugely popular Battle Hymn, Triumphal Scene, and especially the immortal aria Celeste Aida - in fact the latter was among the first 3 recordings that Caruso ever made, for G&T in Milan, April 1902. Not to be overlooked is O Terra addio (which Caruso also recorded, but not until 1909). There is a lot of famous and exciting music in this roll!

DA-005 / Negro Spirituals Medley (traditional) - lyric sheet included with roll $15
played by Eubie Blake (originally issued on Duo-Art 10091 / April 1921)

This is the only roll Eubie Blake recorded for Duo-Art. This is a medley of four well-known spirituals: Go Down Moses; I'm a Rolling; Nobody Knows the Trouble I See, Lord; and I Got Shoes. It's a very nice performance and one I think you will enjoy. (NOTE: Eubie also recorded two roll for Ampico, which are also available on BluesTone: Charleston Rag and Goodnight Angeline)

DA-012 / Shine (Ford Dabney) - lyric sheet included with roll $15
played by Alan Moran (originally issued on Duo-Art 713003 / July 1924)

This Ford Dabney tune is a very nice, lively performance by Alan Moran - about which I know very little! The Duo-Art catalog shows that Moran recorded dozens of good pop titles, and that he recorded 3 rolls in duets with Rube Bloom. Ford Dabney is perhaps best known for his ragtime compositions, such as Oh! You Devil! (1909) and Georgia Grind (1915).

DA-024 / Spring Fever (Rube Bloom) $15
played by the Composer Rube Bloom (originally issued on Duo-Art 713413 / July 1928)

DA-025 / Was That The Human Thing To Do? (Sam Fain) $15
played by Dana Suesse (originally issued on Duo-Art 0860 / April 1932)

Here are two more excellent popular tunes. Spring Fever is performed by Rube Bloom, who is probably best known for his piano solo Soliloquy (see also "Sapphire" - below). This number is a lively, syncopated dance number - it's HOT!

The other is a rare Duo-Art roll, the only one recorded by Dana Suesse. WTTHTTD is another lively performance with great syncopation and a driving swing feeling. Dana was a contemporary of George Gershwin and has recently been the subject of an excellent CD in the "Keyboard Wizards of the Gershwin Era series" on the Pearl label. Peter Minton's liner notes provide a helpful summary of her career. Alas, you'll still have to get your own copy of the Duo-Art roll to hear this fine performance!

DA-053 Sapphire, A Musical Gem (Bloom) $15
played by the Composer Rube Bloom (originally issued on Duo-Art 72488 / July 1928)

DA-054 An Operatic Nightmare - Desecration No. 2 (Arndt) $15
played by the Composer Felix Arndt (originally issued on Duo-Art 5811 / September 1916)

Rube Bloom wrote a number of modern "novelty" piano solos in the 1920's. Sapphire is one of three that he recorded for Duo-Art (Sapphire, Soliloquy, and Spring Fever), and this is the last of the series. These are popular solos, along the lines of Bix Beiderbecke's "In A Mist" - pretty jazzy stuff for the 1920's! Bloom also recorded another 18 or so popular songs for Duo-Art.

Felix Arndt's Operatic Nightmare harks back to the end of the ragtime era, when "ragging the classics" was a fun, popular way to thumb one's nose at those stuffy classical people - hence the subtitle "Desecration". I thought about pinning down some of the popular operatic arias I recognized in the tune, but figured it would drive me nuts before I had them all identified properly, so you're just going to have to do it yourself! This is a fun and nicely played roll that I know you will enjoy.

DA-055 Blue Hoosier Blues - lyric sheet included with roll $15
played by Edythe Baker (originally issued on Duo-Art 18855 / July 1923)

DA-056 Kickin' The Clouds Away (Gershwin) $15
played by the Composer George Gershwin (originally issued on Duo-Art 713122 / July 1925)

Blue Hoosier Blues was a popular blues song that shows up on lots of 78s and piano rolls - Isham Jones' Orchestra recorded it for Brunswick; Columbia, Victor, Zonophone, etc. all had their versions. Even Jimmy Blythe made a roll of it for Columbia Music Rolls! Edythe Baker lives up to her fine reputation for a lively version of it here on this Duo-Art roll.

George Gershwin will certainly not be new to any of you, and I suspect you may already be aware of this outstanding roll as well! Kickin' The Clouds Away is one of Gershwin's best Duo-Art rolls in my opinion, it's a great song played in typical synchopated Gershwin fashion. It's no wonder that it made the cut to be included in Artis Wodehouse's first volume of Gershwin piano rolls ("Gershwin Plays Gershwin", Nonesuch CD). If you don't have this in your collection, you really should!