Conlon Nancarrow's "Studies for Player Piano, Vol. III" is a captivating exploration of rhythm and sound, recorded on his custom-altered 1927 Ampico reproducing piano in Mexico City in 1988. This avant-garde album, released by Wergo in 1999, showcases Nancarrow's innovative use of the player piano, an instrument he pioneered in the realm of contemporary classical music. The fourteen studies presented here are a testament to his ingenuity, featuring rapidly changing meters, simultaneous different meters, and other complex rhythmic procedures that challenge and delight the ear. Nancarrow's work is not just a listening experience but a journey into the intricacies of musical time and structure. Each piece, from "Study for Player Piano No. 1" to "Study for Player Piano No. 50," offers a unique perspective on rhythm and melody, making this volume a vital addition to any collection of avant-garde music.
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