Although I have written at length about and have enthusiastically endorsed previous CD releases devoted to Conlon Nancarrow’s unique and incredibly imaginative Studies for Player Piano, the present four-disc set deserves top priority. It features analogue composer-supervised recordings of the first 41 studies, all taped in Nancarrow’s Mexico City studio on his two modified Ampico reproducing pianos, and originally issued by the 1750 Arch label between 1977 and 1984 on four LPs.
These are not to be confused with Wergo’s 1988 digital re-recordings, which contain additional music, yet were made without access to one of the pianos. Consequently, the 1750 Arch versions have the advantage of both pianos’ distinct timbres–one with metal-covered felt hammers and the other with leather strips on the hammers. More importantly, the warmer analogue sonics convey an immediacy and bite lacking in the dryer, possibly more realistic ambience of the digital recordings. Part of this may be due to the analogue versions’ generally faster tempos.
All of the extensive, painstakingly analytical annotations are retained from the original LP inserts. Other Minds’ carefully effected transfers from the original analogue tapes sound fuller and crisper than my well-preserved LP copies, and that’s saying something! Don’t miss this wonderful music in its ideal recorded form, while it’s still in print. [7/7/2010]
