New-York tribune., 1920-02-01
The Invention of the Pianola

The Invention Of the Pianola
experimental model of this Instrument which was
destined to ultimately revolutionize the piano
industry was shipped from Detroit to New York
remember distinctly the first time heard this
instrument l went with Mr.. Votey, the in
ventor, to the factory of the Roosevelt Organ
Company on Park Avenue near 12oth Street
This building at that time was used for storage
and the Pianola had been installed in a corner Of
one OF the partly empty lofts. This first model
was 50 large that placed in position before an
upright piano, it entirely obscured the latter
instrument.
the later improved designs, particularly
slightly. instrument, and this first model was
decidedly unattractve; but the flexible, elastic
touch and varying wind pressure that made
possible the contrasting dyna1nics the basic
principles upon which the Pianola's success was
achieved, were all embodied in this first expert
mental model.
Pidnola as Soloist with London
Symphony Orchestra
It was this same instrument {the Pianola)
reduced IN size and refined in construction that
heard few years later, playing Concert Grand
piano IN Queens Hall, London, accompanied by
The London Symphony Orchestra with the great
Sir Arthur Nikisch conducting. After this the
development and recognition of The Pianola
was rapid. The Pianola Piano, a piano in
which the Planola action was installed as an
integral part of the instrument soon superseded
the outside cabinet Pianola
Success abroad
Abroad, the Pianoia has found ready accep-
tance. Branches Of The Acolian Company
were established in London, Paris, Berlin, Mad
rid and in Melbourne, Sidney and Adelaide,
Australia.
These Branches were very successful So
great indeed did business become that a
prominent trade paper wrote several years ago
that 'the volume of business passing through
the Aeoan Companys London House makes
that Of any other music concern in Europe
Seem Insignificant by comparison
This was all the more significant from the
fact that there music houses in these great
music Centers of the old world that had been in
existence century or more. And yet, this new
American concern, in but few short years.
entered their field and far outstripped them in
material growth.
Distinguished Patrons
The patronage OF the Pianola abroad has been
confined to no one class Almost every palace
in Europe contains one more. Seven Royal
Appointments have been conferred upon its
makers
musicians, realizing this Instruments vital
effect in popularizing music and It's inherent
soundness and artistry, have been its most
prominent advocates.
The recommendation for the Cross of the
Legion of Honor, conferred by the French Gov
ernment in recognition of the Aeoan Companys
eminent services to music, was signed by many
OF the most prominent musicians in France.
Famous schools, universities and conservatories
here and abroad, have adopted the Pianola as
means in teaching music and do their utmost to
encourage its Use, out OF hours by students
The Final Development Of the Player. Pidno
The Reproducing Piano
:. The latest development Of the ayer-piano-
the reproducing piano-is a far cry from the
little ro-pIayng organ of my early days, and
more than fulhlls William Stenway's PREDICTION
as to the future of these instruments.
- he concert given week or so ago at Carnegie
Hall at which Duo-Art Grand Pianola played
the tn piano part Of Liszt Concerto, with the
Philharmonic Orchestra, is significant Of the
xhi l,1~.