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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
Circulating Music.
POPULAR
DEPARTMENT OF
LIBRARY.
THE
RROOKLYN
The Brooklyn Library established its
department of music in the autumn of
1882.
The idea of circulating music in
the same manner as books was suggested
by one of the directors of the library, who
supplemented his suggestion in a most
practical manner by supplying funds for
the purchase of 400 volumes.
The selection of this music was made
by a competent man at that time connect-
ed with a large music importing house in
New York, and, indeed, in the several ad-
ditions subsequently made the selection
has been made by men of musical educa-
tion and possessing a wide acquaintance
with the works of the most noted compos-
ers, and, therefore, better fitted for the re-
quirements of the case than a librarian
more closely acquainted with books than
with music.
The collection is largely for a single
piano (two hands) this being most in re-
quest, but there is much that is arranged
under other headings, such as ' ' Piano
Duets" (four hands), " Two Pianos"
(eight hands), "Violin and Piano," "Vo-
cal Music," "Songs," "Oratorios;" "Op-
eras," and the like.
The rules for circulation are the same
as with books. Readers who apply first
for a work that is in demand get what they
require without delay, others necessarily
wait until later, as is usual in a circulating
library.
The collection now numbers
2,000 volumes, exclusive of works on the
theory and practice of music and musical
biographies. The annual circulation from
this class is about 6,000 volumes. Two or
three special bulletins have been issued
devoted to music alone. The most recent
additions are given under a separate head-
ing in the book bulletins occasionally pub-
lished.
On the whole, the musical department
has been very much appreciated, and has
proved a satisfactory investment. Its use
during the past fifteen years shows that
there are among the members many who
study music and who recognize the advan-
tage of a large collection from which to
make selections for home practice.
The Poole Piano.
The war excitement should not take
dealers' attention from the fact that the
Poole Piano Co., of Boston, are making
some splendid pianos nowadays that de-
serve appreciation and consideration.
They are trade-making instruments, satis-
fying in tone and attractive in appearance
—it excites little wonder that they are so
largely in demand.
POOLE
A Dainty Decker Brochure.
The Sohmer Headquarters.
The progressive up-to-date policy of
Decker & Son is being well illustrated this
season. The issue of an attractive cata-
logue, and the completion of several new
styles in uprights have been followed by
the issue of an artistic booklet of twelve
pages concerning the merits of the Decker
products.
It has been very carefully and judicious-
ly edited, and the artistic illumination of
each page is a special praiseworthy fea-
ture. There is an excellent representa-
tion of every 1898 Decker style, including
the Decker & Son Cabinet Grand, Style D,
Upright Grand, Styles C, F, K (" Renais-
sance ") and R (Colonial) and Style G,
Parlor Grand.
Every case is gracefully proportioned.
Each of the case designs in uprights is so
admirable that it is difficult to select the
most artistic. That of the Parlor Grand is
faultless in every particular.
One of the most pleasing Decker pro-
ducts of the season is the "Colonial,"
Style R, referred to above. Style K also,
the "Renaissance," is a handsome, rich-
looking instrument in figured mahogany,
walnut and oak veneers.
There is a
steady call for each of the Decker styles
of 1898. More will be said of the Decker
in a future issue.
The new Sohmer warerooms, now com-
plete in every particular, are at present
among the most attractive places of inter-
est in the city. On the ground floor, in the
main exhibit room, there is a complete array
of the newest Sohmer styles in grands
and uprights, including many cases of un-
usually rich design in the choicest woods.
The lower floor is also well stocked with
instruments of exceptional value suited to
all tastes. In previous descriptions of the
new warerooms, mention has been made of
the handsome office fittings and adequacy
of arrangements for lighting, etc. These
are conspicuous for their tastefulness and
utility. Taken as a whole, the Sohmer es-
tablishment in every department, as repre-
sented in the Sohmer Building at Fifth
Avenue and Twenty-second Street and at
the factory, is a model worthy of imitation
by every progressive piano manufacturing
firm.
Glad to Get Back.
Geo. F. Blake, president of the McPhail
Piano Co., Boston, enjoyed his European
trip immensely. He traveled five hun-
dred miles through Southern France on
his " bike," visited the Italian Peninsula,
thence through Switzerland, Germany, to
England, from where he sailed for home.
Notwithstanding the many interesting and
historic places visited, he said to a news-
paper man last week: "This land of
America is undoubtedly the greatest coun-
try on earth. I had a splendid time every
minute I was away, but it wasn't America
and I am glad to come again to God's
country." Mr. Blake is enjoying the best
of health and is splendidly equipped for
active work in the interests of the McPhail
piano.
A Great Combination.
The following removal notice which ap-
peared in the Auburn, N. Y., Bulletin, is
unique for its combination of wares—
"coal and pianos.":
"On or about May 1st, M. S. Goss and
John Gruner will vacate store No. 11 State,
for the more commodious one No. 5 State
Street, 3 doors nearer Genesee. The sell-
ing of Coal and Pianos will cut the greatest
figure at the new store. "
Ernest Alfieri, editor of our esteemed
London contemporary, Music, is a poet
and musician of no mean attainments, as
well as publisher of one of the brightest
and most entertaining of our European
exchanges.
Many of his songs which
have been published are very popular, and
his verse, some of which has appeared in
Music, is very creditable indeed.
Energetic Frank B. Burns.
Frank B. Burns, of stool and scarf fame,
is a tireless worker, constantly on the go,
and it is cheering to note that his efforts
are well rewarded.
During his recent
trips he secured sufficient orders to keep
him busy all summer. He is constantly
adding to his roster of customers, and
when he secures a customer, you can bet
that he stays with him. Mr. Burns is
working on many new ideas in the line of'
scarfs and stools which he will shortly in-
troduce to the trade.
PIANOS
Schubert Mandolin Piano
New scale 7 % octaves, Full Iron Frame, 3 Unisons
throughout, nickel-p;ated continuous hinges on top
and fall, Overstrung Bass, Double Repeating
Action, with German Silver Hammer Rail ; Double
Veneered Case, handsomely carved with 9 Carved
Panels, 3 on each side and 3 on top Frame. Double
Balloon Moulding on Top, Boston Fall, with Auto-
matic extension music desk, Richly Carved Trusses,
Ivory Keys and French Polished Sharps. The
whole Artistic, Attractive and Unsurpassed by
any Piano on the Market.
FACTORY, 539 E. 134th STREET, NEW YORK.
Precious, Perfect, Peerless
As to Tone, Touch, Design,
Durability and Value. . . ,.
5 and 7 APPLETON STREET, BOSTON, MASS.