NEW MUSIC
Ashkenasi Dances No.1
"Ashkenasi Dances No.1"Adam Ramet (2007) This entirely new composition is the first of 5 dances based around Martin Buber's evocative "Tales of the Chassidim". The music depicts "The Great Round Dance" and is founded on a rollicking traditional "nigun" melody coupled with a slower folk song. Each piece in the set is based on a different tale. The work is composed specifically for the pianola.
Festive Overture
"Festive Overture" Dmitri Shostakovich (1954) arranged for pianola by Adam Ramet. Shostakovich took just 2 days to write this piece for the 37th anniversary of the Russian Revolution and it is one the very few entirely exuberant works by Shostakovich. It is majestic, grand and vibrant whilst remaining melodically and harmonically fascinating throughout. This unique special arrangement for the pianola is partly sourced from the complete orchestral score and uses the full keyboard compass from the lowest to the highest note.
La Calinda
"La Calinda" by Frederick Delius from his opera "Koanga" arranged for pianola by Adam Ramet. The honor of having written the first entirely black opera ever unexpectedly goes to Delius. Lots of lush Delian harmonies and that characteristic gentle forward movement to the music. This arrangement was based upon an old version for two-pianos
Das Negers Geburstag
"Das Negers Geburstag" Paul Lincke (1903) arranged for pianola by Adam Ramet. This is a fun tun-of-the-century cakewalk-two step from German composer Paul Lincke. Originally it was written as a novelty piece introducing the boisterous American Cakewalk into European ballroom tastes of the period. This new arrangement has the original piano score at the core but with extra life drawn from both American and European experiences of the cakewalk. A little crazy prancing mixed with a little formal dignity if you will.
Moya Marusechka
"Moya Maruschka" Pjotr Lescencko (1934) arranged for pianola by Adam Ramet. Bessarabian vocalist Lescencko was the top Russian-language male recording artist of the pre-WWII years. His music was banned in the USSR despite which he still achieved outstanding sales and popularity throughout Europe and beyond. After the war he fell out of favour with the Soviet authorities, was arrested on stage and died in a Bucharest prison camp in 1954. This is a new arrangement of one of his most popular foxtrots from the 1930s.
Old Virginia Rag
"Old Virginia Rag" by Clyde Douglas (1909) arranged for pianola by Adam Ramet. One of the most fun lively rags ever written, it is short and sweet with no repeats in the original score either. The thrills keep on coming - a real treat for all rag enthusiasts. This is a completely new full pianola arrangement strictly in keeping with the style of the times.