Life, 1911-04-20 · page 31 of 52
Life — April 20, 1911 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **commercial advertisement**, not political satire. The page promotes the Steinway Grand Pianola Piano—a player piano (mechanical piano) made by combining Steinway's renowned pianos with Pianola technology. The illustration depicts an idealized scene: a grand piano in a garden setting with a figure at the keyboard, surrounded by trees and pastoral imagery. **The sales pitch**: The Pianola mechanism allows anyone to play a Steinway "with all the mastery and art of the greatest pianists," eliminating the need for actual musical training. The ad emphasizes that composition and fine instruments are worthless without performance ability—a problem this product solves. **Pricing**: Grand model ($2000+), upright ($1250+), or cheaper Pianola pianos ($550+). The Aeolian Company lists offices across major U.S. cities. The tone is aspirational: democratizing access to "greatest pianists'" artistry for wealthy consumers who lack musical skill.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
WZ Rye AY BAN OTST OTL ee UT eC TOT AT On ee LT SRL FTL TAT FO TOLL NL NT SMC OAT 7 PTI OT N the union of the STEINWAY GRAND PIANO with the Pianola, there is provided an ability to play this world-famed instrument with all the mastery and art of the greatest pianists. The composers, in the moments of their most lofty inspiration, could never have conceived a more perfect medium for the expression of their harmonies than the Steinway Grand Pianola Piano Without the ability to play the piano, the greatest musical composition and the finest piano are alike valueless. Your enjoyment of both is entirely dependent upon the artistic qualities of the instrument which supplies that ability. With the Pianola only, is the expression of your every mood possible. For its control is as instantly responsive and flexible as are the hands of the great pianist to the suggestion of his brain. The Steinway Grand Pianola Piano $2000 upward. The Steinway Pianola Piano (Upright) $1250 upward. May be purchased on monthly payments if desired Allowances made on other pianos taken in exchange. Other Pianola Pianos from $550 up. Prices slightly higher on the Pacific” Coast. on request. Information STEINWAY PIANOLA PIANO BOOK L A most artistic piece of printing—well worth reading and keeping. Size 9x12 inches. Sent postpaid on request. The Aeolian Company Maintains Its Own Establishments in the Following Cities: CHICAGO, ILL. ST. LOUIS, MO. 202 Michigan Boulevard 1004 Olive Street CINCINNATI, O. 124 East 4th Street INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 237 N. Pennsylvania Street DAYTON, O. 131 W. 3d Street Representatives in all the Principal Cities of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Abroad The Aeolian Company, Aeolian Hall, 362 Fifth Ave., Near 34h st, N. Y. The Largest Manufacturers of Musical Instruments in the World