Grand Piano
Grand Piano is a series devoted to the art of the Reproducing Piano. It presents major performances by the legendary pianists who recorded for the Aeolian Company between 1915 and 1930.
The acoustic gramophone rarely attempted major keyboard works. The 78s' restricted sound and duration was acceptable for short virtuoso pieces but little else. In contrast, by 1915, the Aeolian Company's "Duo-Art" was already a highly sophisticated digital recording process. Pianists, well aware of the gramophone's limitations, turned enthusiastically to the reproducing piano. Hofmann, Bauer, Paderewski and Grainger were especially committed, not alone in believing that they had achieved the ultimate recording process. Great pianists joined them in recording their concert repertoire, including much that was never repeated on disc.
The reproducing piano was a tragic victim of the devastated economy of 1930's America. It disappeared, not because it was inadequate, but, because it was expensive. The pianist's faith in the reproducing piano remained overwhelming; one of the most exciting musical inventions of our age.
"Wilhelm Backhaus is strong and lucid in the Paganini Variations while Dame Myra Hess is a sheer delight in the Intermezzi and Rhapsody in E flat!"
Geoffrey Crankshaw, Classic CD
"Artur Rubinstein practically memorized all the music he performed, even into his older age. His incredible talent on here is priceless. Personally, I think music is a great way to escape from stress. These pieces by Brahms are somewhat complex, with huge, powerful chords. The pianists on here have both the talent and incredible ability to play the music accurately and artistically."