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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
As I mentioned in my last letter, Daniel taking a lively interest in the forthcoming
Mayer has purchased from Le Comte de change of administration in Washington.
Frangueville, the silent partner in the Eng- Whether Mr. McKinley will favor the
lish business of the celebrated French restoration of old time duties or act con-
house of S. & P. Erard, all his rights and servatively now that he is in high station
interest, and is now sole owner of this valu- and soon to be burdened with the cares of
able property. In conversation with a office, is puzzling our manufacturers. It is
representative of a local paper relative to safe to say that there will be little change
the above, Mr. Mayer said: "All pianos in the duty on musical instruments; in other
are made at the factory in La Villette, and industries, however, we depend to a great
supplied to me at net factory prices, so extent on an American market, and a
that I stand on the same footing as regards higher tariff will curtail our sales and our
the cost of the instruments as the Paris prosperity. There is a general feeling ex-
house in the Rue de Mail. Thus I am able pressed in the trade papers especially, that
to supply the dealers and the profession at
London, Jan. 27, 1897. the lowest possible prices. By April the the policy of the new administration will
Organ manufacturers in the United new models on which we have been work- be one of moderation.
* *
States will no doubt be pleased to learn ing for the past two years will be out, and
Speaking
of
Mr.
McKinley brings to
that there is a marked demand this season will show some remarkable advance in
mind
the
significant
fact
that no previous
for their instruments from all parts of the piano making. We are not content to rest
presidential
election
ever
excited such
United Kingdom. Up to a recent period on the name of Erard, but are determined
public
interest
on
this
side
of the "big
the organ trade was anything but good. to remain what we have always been—the
pond"
as
the
one
in
which
he
came out
The falling off was attributed by the agents foremost of piano manufacturers. The
the
victor.
The
accounts
in
the
papers
here to the depressed condition of the action invented by Sebastian Erard in 1821
were
lengthy,
fairly
complete
and
unusual-
times and the cheapness of imported is practically the one in use to-day every-
pianos. Conditions have changed, I am where, and adopted by all piano-makers. ly accurate, and although McKinley was
pleased to say. The wave of prosperity All attempts at radically improving the heartly disliked a few years ago on account
which has been coming this way for the principle involved in this have not been of the American tariff bearing his name,
past six months shows no sign of abate- improvements, but retrogressions. Our he certainly had the sympathy of the solid
ment. Employment is brisk, and the improvements are all in the way of attain- business element of our people in the re-
working classes seem to have some money ing, if possible, a yet more refined and cent election.
This feeling is commendable, particular-
at their disposal. This no doubt accounts singing quality of tone than exists at
ly
so since Uncle Sam and John Bull have
for the increasing trade in organs.
present; and I think our clients will be
agreed
to bury jingoism and allow their
Another sign which is certainly encourag- satisfied when our new models come out."
blunderbusses
to rust.
ing is the fact that the demand has not
* *
*
*
been for the very cheapest organs; the
Anent the common rumor that M. Pader-
During a recent visit to Steinway Hall
splendid instruments which are now com-
ing from over the water are selling well— ewski was interested in the house of Erard, I became much interested in an instru-
they give positive evidence of the improve- Mr. Mayer said: "Mr. Paderevvski has ment combining the characteristics of the
ment which is being made in these pro- never had one farthing in this business, lyre and mandolin, very appropriately
ducts, both in appearance, tone quality and I have never had any business dealings named the "mandolyra," which is the in-
with him except to act as his agent. If he vention of Signor Dabiero. The instru-
and effects.
* * *
plays the Erard piano in the United King- ment resembles the cithera or Greek lyre
r
Agents here continue to report heavy dom and France, it is, I suppose, because when viewed from the front. The back is
shipments to the continent, while dealers he thinks they are the best pianos made in almond shaped like the usual mandolin.
in Australia, Africa and India are also Europe, just the same as he plays the Increased power and sweetness of tone are
evincing appreciation of American organs Steinway pianos in America, because he claimed for this new instrument owing to
considers them the best pianos made the extended surface of sound board, and as
by large purchases.
the fret board is carried over the body of
During a call at L. Blankenstein & Co.'s there."
the
instrument a greater facility of execu-
*
*
a few days ago they informed me that they
*
tion
is ensured. The mandolyra is not
were obliged to cable for a large number of
Joseph
Wallis
&
So.n,
of
133-5
Euston
simply
a novelt)"; it possesses attributes
different styles of Miller organs which they
which
entitle
it to appreciation.
Road,
are
among
our
most
enterprising
represent in this country. They report a
* *
establishments.
In
addition
to
pianos
and
fine trade. The same satisfactory condi-
organs,
they
handle
a
line
of
novelties
tion of affairs seems to exist at R. M.
..Among the great stock companies re-
Marple's, who handles the Kimball organs, which give this firm a special prominence. cently registered are the celebrated house
as well as at E. Hirsch & Co.'s, who are At present they are having a good "call " of Chappell & Co. Limited, with a capital
displaying a magnificent assortment of for Giorgi's new patent flute, a really of ,£120,000 in ^ 5 shares, and "The Lon-
Packard organs. Edwin Smith, of Black- meritorious instrument. Although minus don Musical Courier Co." with a capital of
burn, is doing well with the "Weaver" keys, chromatic passages can be played ^"4000 in j£i shares (1500 preference.)
not only at home, but he tells me that his with ease—in fact the player can, after a The object of the latter is to carry on the
short acquaintance, play the most difficult London business of the Musical Courier,
foreign trade is constantly increasing.
now managed by F. V. Atwater. This
The new style grand combination Clough music just as perfectly and of course with gentleman is managing director of the
& Warren organ which Chappell & Co., less difficulty than than on the Boehm flute. new company at ,£300 per annum. As far
Ltd., are now introducing has made a very The tonal quality of the Giorgi flute is as I can learn there will be no change in the
favorable impression. The stop effects are charmingly sympathetic, full and brilliant. business policy of the Chappell Co. The
present partners practically control all the
charming. The tone is great in volume I predict for it a great popularity.
shares.
The
business
men
of
this
country
are
and pipe-like in character.
Our European Budget.
THE
CELEBRATED
STEGER
PIANOS
PATENTED 1892.
are noted for their fine singing quality 01
tone and great durability.
The tnosi
profitable Piano for dealers to handle.
STEGER & CO., Manufacturers,
Factory, Columbia Heifhta.
286 WABASH AVENUE, CHICAGO