The reproducing piano rendered faithful re-performances of classical and popular piano solos at a time when cylinder and disc recorders were in their infancy. It played notes from a perforated paper roll, but unlike the player piano it was able to replicate expressive performance elements such as articulation, dynamics, and pedaling. Busoni, Granados, Hoffmann, Rachmaninov, and Ravel made thousands of piano rolls for the reproducing piano.

‘Ethnic’ piano rolls are an important part of a still-neglected musical heritage. Having come to prominence in the first part of the twentieth century, they encapsulate the musical life of several continents and various ethnic communities based in the USA. This volume represents the latest research on these unique and rare cultural artefacts.

Looks at the history of recording technology and its effect on music, including artistic performance, listening habits, and audience participation.