Klarinet Archive - Posting 000426.txt from 2000/10

From: "Holmes, Michael H." <MHolmes@-----.org>
Subj: Re: [kl] Real musicians don't.....
Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 15:24:42 -0400

One point that I didn't see made about these player pianos is this: In a
best-case scenario, these recordings can be superior to what is possible on
a stereo system. After all, you've got a real piano in front of you, with
88 sets of strings and a full soundboard. The complexities of the sound
that can't be captured on a simple stereo recording are all present to the
listener. Of course that assumes that the mechanism is a good design,
properly installed, that the piano is well maintained, and that the pianist
who made the recording is an excellent musician.

I don't mean to dismiss the problems, not the least of which is that these
gadgets can be used to displace live musicians. But stereo systems can be
used that way too -- this isn't entirely a new problem. My point is that
this is just a different kind of recording, and one that is in some ways
superior to the more common types. If these player pianos are used
responsibly, there's nothing wrong with them.

So what does it mean to use them "responsibly"? Personally, I think they're
fine in a private home. In a hotel or similar public setting, they do seem
like a cheap substitute for live music.

Mike Holmes

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