Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1903 Vol. 37 N. 15

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
POPULARIZING SONQS.
Many and Varied Plans Adopted to This End—
Professionals Have the Call and Make Big
Money—The Risk in the Publishing Field—
What a Publisher Says.
In popularizing songs, melodies, char-
acteristics, ballads and whatever other
name the publisher may designate his
productions, the enlistment of profession-
als is an initiatory step that goes hand in
hand with publicity efforts. The experi-
ence and practice of the publisher when
"up against" the professional artist—man
or woman—is varied and picturesque, ac-
cording to competent testimony. One of
the newest recruits as a publisher, but a
veteran in the line, had this to say on
Tuesday to The Review:
"When we have what is believed to be a
good thing, it needs vigorous pushing
along, no matter what its merits may be.
In a certain class of music—the better
goods, if you please—the methods follow-
ed to get it before the public, via the deal-
er, is along well defined lines, quite conser-
vative at that, but correct. This quality is
not expected to get on the market at one
bound, as it were. It works its way grad-
ually, though surely, and the sale is steady
and reasonably lasting.
"With another species—what is generally
known as the popular kind, the procedure
is altogether different. The publishing bus-
iness along this particular road is some-
thing of a gamble, and to my mind is
strongly suggestive of playing the races.
There is no settled or accepted rule for
picking the winner for a certainty in either
division, if I may so term it. If one fol-
lows 'form' the chance of getting in the
one, two, three class is almost as hazardous
as a blind selection, observing, of course,
certain general rules of the game.
"Now, as to popularizing a song the
surest and quickest way is to have the lead-
ing professionals place it in their repertoire.
Then accompany this step with judicious
advertising in mediums for getting it be-
fore the dealers, and of which The Review
is one of the most effective examples. For,
without the newspapers how is the trade to
know who is the publisher? The singer is
not at all loath to have his auditors believe
he is the 'whole thing' when it comes down
to giving credit where credit is due.
"But the work, and often fun, comes in
while after the professionals. They are
in a class by themselves, and require
special handling if business is on the car-
pet. Certain singers there are who need
no carrying around of chips. If they fancy
a piece and it answers their purpose, sing
it they will, and no one will say them nay,
manager or any one else. The average art-
ist is particular and one must be careful
not to make too much of them. This is a
fatal step, for then they will walk all over
you. Handle just right—the secret of
which is learned only by actual contact
through some years—and you can get your
point without much difficulty.
"One house makes it a practice never to
pay a cent in advance for singing any num-
ber in the catalogue. Should the piece
'catch on' that is another proposition, and
we are only too willing to give every one
assisting us to its success a generous rake
off. Some firms pay as high as $500 to
$1,000 down as a starter, to get the pro-
fessional interested; and this is a policy
steadily adhered to for certain artists, but
we, and others, are not traveling in that
class. At the go-off not a few singers will
either intimate there should be 'gate money'
down, or their 'cold touch' is in such fine
working order that the demand is the first
'crack out of the box.' None of it in ours,
until the worth of their efforts shows for it-
self. Of course, when a piece is a hit with
any of them money consideration is a sec-
ondary matter, for their exclusive terri-
torial singing rights are in order, and then
the publisher comes in strong. Oh, yes, the
publishing business is surely a gamble. It is
either big money or none at all, unless you
are a piker, and there are some few of those,
also."
39
HERE AND THERE IN THE TRADE.
"The Fisher Maiden," by Harry Von Til-
zer, and produced by the Von Tilzer Opera
Co. at the Victoria Monday, was received
with every evidence of popular favor. This
is Mr. Von Tilzer's first operatic score, and
his song numbers are in the style which made
his former compositions such ready and
steady sellers. He has been warmly congrat-
ulated on his success. It is needless to add
that the publishing rights reside with the
Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co.
The verdict of Minneapolis and St. Paul,
upon Walter Jones in Geo. V. Hobart and
G. E. Conterno's comic opera, "The Sleepy
King," was affirmed and emphasized in Mil-
waukee and other cities where they recent-
ly played to crowded houses. The success
songs were: "Mamie,Oh,My Mamie,""Reu-
. ben Redbreast,""I'm So Sleepy,""Ye Morn-
ing Winds," "Sweet Sixteen," "Sweetheart of
THE HALF DOLLAR
MUSIC SERIES
This series of music volumes has been planned to give, at a popular
price, a varied selection of attractive music. The contents of each volume
have been carefully chosen from music of proven popularity. In no other
form can so much desirable music be obtained at the price. The contents of
many of the books, would, if bought separately, cost at least five dollars.
In attractiveness of typography and binding the volumes far surpass all other
low-priced collections of music.
The following-named volumes have been issued :
DANCE WALTZES FOR THE PIANO
EASY FOUR-HAND PIECES, Second and Third Grades
EASY PIECES IN EASY KEYS. Vol. I
EASY PIECES IN EASY KEYS. Vol. II
EASY SALON MUSIC FOR THE PIANO
FAVORITE DUETS FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO
FORTY VERY EASY PIANO PIECES
FOUR-HAND RECREATIONS. Third Grade
MARCHES AND TWO-STEPS FOR THE PIANO
THIRTY SONGS FOR CHILDREN
VERY EASY PIANO DUETS. First and Second Grades
In addition to the above, CLASSICS
CLASSICS
F O R
F O R
VIOLIN
C E L L O
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Price, $1.00
" 1 . 0 0
B O S T O N
OLIVER DITSON COMPANY
New York
CHAS. H. DITSON & CO.
Chicago
LYON & HEALY
Philadelphia
J. E. DITSON & CO.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
40
THE
MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
Mine," 'Missouri/' "Dimples," and "Glor-
iana."
"RED FEATHER" AN IMMENSE SUCCESS.
warmly received." J. W. Stern & Co. are the
publishers.
As predicted, the "Red Feather," which
was
produced by the Zeigfeld Opera Co. in
W. Paris Chambers, 34 E. Fourteenth
BELGIAN COPYRIGHT DECISION.
Baltimore, Tuesday evening, was an instant
street, New York, who has been in Europe success. In fact, its reception was one of un-
Louis
Raegener, counsel for the White-
for two months, on September. 22 rendered bounded enthusiasm from the singing of the Smith Music
Publishing Co., last week
a cornet solo in London, Eng., at the great first number to the finale; and the opera is wrote E. S. Votey, Secretary of the Aeo-
band contest, in which 117 organizations par- spoken of by competent critics and lovers of lian Co. as follows: "Dear Sir—In re
ticipated. He is expected home in a week. this class of music, meaning the majority of White-Smith vs. Apollo, we received a
During his absence Larry Lorenz extends the American theatregoers, as exceeding in inter- letter from our Parisian correspondent to-
est and tunefulness that of "Robin Hood." day stating that in Belgium a decision had
"glad hand."
Grace Van Studdeford, the prima donna, just been rendered to the effect that phono-
I. Hayden Clarendon, who has written scored at every appearance, and her perform- graphic rolls were an infringement of a
several operas which will shortly De pub- ance was even, smooth, yet vivacious copyright upon a musical composition, and
the decision was radically different
lished and produced, also some lyrics and throughout. Her support was excellent and that
the stage setting elaborate and sumptuous. from the decision rendered in France, upon
single numbers which will shortly be inter- Reginald De Koven is responsible for the a similar state of facts. We have sent
polated in several important operatic pro- music, which was bright, catchy and alto- them a copy of the Belgian law and a copy
ductions controlled by his publishers, has gether pleasing, the song numbers being of the decision."
signed with Jos. W. Stern & Co., for a term
of years on an exclusive basis.
FREDERICK PIANO CO.
P. Ashdown, who has been in New Eng-
MANUFACTURERS
land since July enjoying a well earned va-
92 FIFTH A V E , -
NEW YORli.
cation and calling on the music dealers be-
F
A
C
T
O
R
Y
,
51O-516
F
I
R
S
T
AVENUE
sides, returned to New York this week.
Send for prices, terms, territory and catalogue.
Address all communications to 92 Fifth AVe.
One of his latest good sellers is "'Neath
Skies of Spain," a Spanish bolero song, by
Henry Detmer Music Co.
Christopher Marks.
MANUFACTURERS
Sunday night F. L. Cahn, of the Cahn & PIANO
and Jobbers of all Kinds of
Van Wagenen Publishing Co., left New
Musical
Merchandise,
Sheet Music Books, Etc.
York for a trip that will take him to the
261 Wabash Avenue, Chicago.
Pacific Coast, expecting to be back in
TRADE MARKS
about two months. Mr. Cahn travels nine
DESIGNS
COPYRIGHTS AC.
months out of the twelve, has been on the
Anyone
sending
a
sketch
and
description maj
THE SCHUMANN IS THE GREATEST VALUE
quickly ascertain our opinion free whether an
road for twenty years, but this will likely
invention is probably patentable. Communion;
FOR THE MONEY MADF.
tions strictly confidential. Handbook on Patents
be his last tour, arrangements being made
sent free. Oldest agency for securing patents.
Patents taken through Munn & Co. receive
Schumann
Piano
Co.
Correspondence
Special notice, without charge, la the
by this growing firm to have him stay at Solicited
123-125 LaSaile Avenue, CHICAGO, 111.
home hereafter. Thursday last additional
W H I T E , SON COIS/IRANY,
A handsomely illustrated weekly. Largest cir-
room was leased on the floor above their
culation of any scientific Journal. Terms, t3 a
Manufacturers and Dealers in
year; four months, $1. Sold by all newsdealers.
office at 5 E. 14th St., for rehearsals and
PIANO AND ORGAN LEATHERS,
36tBroa
general business. Some of their latest
530-540 Atlantic Avenue, Bostan, Mass.
"tunes up to times" include "Drifting Along
Branca Office. 625
THE
F St..
LATEST
Washington.
AND
D. C.
BEST. Cab-
inet in Form. Easiest Pumping
With the City Tide," a ballad; "Maggie HAVE
Player on the Market. Perfect in
Execution. Elegant in design. For
YOU
O'Reilly; or, the Belle of Battery Park,"
Terms and Territory Address,
SEEN
waltz song; "Anna, Don't You Hear Me
KEITH PIANO PLAYER CO.,
THE
44-46 Townsend St., CHICAGO
Calling You." They also have the music
in press for two of Belasco's companies.
ENDORSED BY GREAT ARTISTS
GRADE PIANOS
Schumann Pianos
Scientific American.
MUNN & Co.
—> New York
KEITH Nil ?
"The Serenade," Victor Herbert's opera,
will, besides having an elaborate production
in this country, be produced in Vienna this
season. Otto Weil, as representative of the
Witmark music library, has arranged with
a prominent management there who will
present the opera with an exceptional cast of
artists. While in Vienna, Mr. Weil, who,
by the way, got back from Europe quite re-
cently, has also contracted for an extended
control of the American rights of the operas
of Strauss, Suppe, Millocker, Genee and
other famous foreign composers, and over
which some litigation with Herr Conried en-
sued.
CHAS. K. HARRIS HAS "SARGENT KITTY."
ZELLMAN
PIANOS
Admitted by piano experts to embody the largest values.
Send far Catalogue to
THE ZELLMAN-SOCOL PIANO M'F'G CO.
152-154 W e s t 127th S t . ,
NEW YORK
Agents wanted.
Territory protected.
Little jewel Piano go.
tZL
SOCOL
PIANOS
Sole
Manufacturers of
5, 5'A and 6!i Octave Pianos.
You want an easy seller
Then Secure the Agency for the
STULTZ & BAUER
A LEADER AND A SELLER AS WELL
ATTRACTIVE CASES, SUPERB TONE
Chas. K. Harris has secured the publish-
ing rights to A. Baldwin Sloane's new
338-34O Fast
opera "Sargent Kitty" which will be pro-
duced under the management of Geo. R.
White.
Raymond Hubbell's "Rooster Dance" is
C. R. STEVENS, General Manager
now ready. It is predicted that this piece Manufacturers of
of instrumental music will be the biggest
instrumental hit that has been issued for
many years.
"The Ella Wheeler Wilcox Waltzes,"
which have only been out a short while,
are now being played, reports say, by lead-
7% OCTAVE.
PIANO CASE.
ing prominent theatre orchestras through-
Write
for
catalogue
and
prices.
Marietta,
out the United States.
Factories and Warerooms:
31st Street,
THE STEYENS ORGAN AND PIANO CO.
STEVENS COMBINATION
REED-PIPE ORGANS
Ohio
*
NEW YORK

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