The ragged rolls of Richard Strauss

Piano rolls recorded on a restored Steinway-Welte piano, including performances from Richard Strauss to the lesser-known Tosta di Benici

Composer: R Strauss, Grieg, Paderewski et al
Repertoire: Welte-Mignon Piano Rolls Vol.2
Artists: R Strauss, Grieg, Paderewski et al (piano)
Rating: 2/5
Genre: Instrumental
Label: Naxos 8.110678

Twelve piano works ‘recorded’ on rolls made in the early years of the last century by famous names (Saint-Saëns, Grieg, Paderewski, Richard Strauss) and some complete obscurities (Lillian Seckendorf Popper, Tosta di Benici). The standard of these ‘immortal performances’ would have most of them laughed off the stage today, and the management sued for providing such a terrible piano. But still, they are mildly diverting curiosities.