Abstract
In Spain, as in other countries, the phenomenon of the player piano involved a crossed network of multiple actors and scenarios linked to the music industry sector of the time. In this particular case, it is necessary to bring to light the activities of companies such as Rollos Victoria in La Garriga (Catalonia), instrument factories such as Ortiz & Cussó, commercial delegations of foreign brands such as Aeolian or Hupfeld or key figures such as the Blancafort family, Ricardo Ribas, Fermín and Vicente Toledo, Paul Izabal and A. Badia, among others. It is also important to mention some of the places where consumers bought rolls and enjoyed concerts or demonstrations about the continuous technological innovations related to the phenomenon, such as the Aeolian Hall or the Angelus Hall. Focusing on these key axes, this work presents a general overview of the commercial activity around the player piano business in Spain. To carry out the study, four different sections are proposed. In the first place, through the documentary analysis of the contemporary press, a chronological tour shows the evolution of the phenomenon in the territory and the main actors involved. A second section is dedicated to talking specifically about Rollos Victoria, which turned out to be the model to follow for other smaller companies in the sector. In a third section, up to twenty business initiatives are listed, about which some relevant aspects are commented to understand the commercial framework presented. Finally, to achieve an approach to the supply and demand for the music rolls of the time, a quantitative analysis is proposed based on the study of several catalogs published by roll manufacturers and institutional collections of previously cataloged rolls.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Player Pianos and Reproducing Pianos in Early 20th-Century Life. |
Editors | Catherine Hennessy Wolter |
Publisher | University of Illinois Press |
Publication status | In preparation - 2024 |