Music Trade Review

Issue: 1904 Vol. 39 N. 11

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
43
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In tne World of Music Publishing
MUCH LIFE TO BUSINESS
In the Publishing Trade—Every Week Shows
an Improvement—The Opening of the Musi-
cal and Theatrical Season of Much Help—
The Live Institutions Are Benefiting by
Their Progressiveness and Seem to Be Get-
ting All the Good Things That Are Going.
With the important and influential publishing
houses business is assuming a condition of brisk-
ness quite gratifying. Mails are heavy, and or-
ders are not only much in evidence, but the range
of sales is excellent and the extent of the pur-
chases in good volume. Each week now sees a
marked improvement, and the fall business, of
which there has been great expectations, is in
full swing and fully up to anticipations.
One thing in the business is becoming more
marked every day, and that is the gradual fading
into the background of those old time establish-
ments which rely on their ancient reputation
solely for present day prestige. In this class are
numerous publishers who seldom adopt modern
methods of securing business; in truth, appear to
look with disfavor on the system which the pro-
gressive houses are pursuing with satisfaction
and profit. The antiques are sufficient unto them-
selves, and in these busy days with the go ahead
firms they find ample time to scan their light
mail and the newspapers, and talk of "No busi-
ness to speak of, which we can't understand,"
and so on to the end of the gloomy chapter. Of
course, it follows they are disbelievers in public-
ity, such as is afforded through well conducted
enterprising trade mediums. The mere mention
of a suggestion in this line makes these fossilized
parties hold up their hands in holy horror and
shake as if afflicted with palsy.
What a contrast to the concerns alive to every
possible advantage of enlarging the scope of their
business! It is in these places where the atmos-
phere is charged as with electric currents, and
the matters under discussion are of trade move-
ments of import in connection with current busi-
ness and prospective sales. There is all the dif-
ference in the world between the haunts of the
somnolent and the up-to-the-minute activity of
the modern music publisher, of which the num-
ber is comparatively small, but is slowly receiv-
ing fresh additions as the antiques wake up or
have new blood injected.
Appended is a few new numbers from the P.
B. Haviland Publishing Co.: Vocal—"Make a
Fuss Over Me," and "A Rare Old Bird," by Theo.
F. Morse; "O'Reilly" (from "The Royal Chef"),
by Ben M. Jerome; "Tallahassee Tessie," by Geo.
IT. Bell.
posed for her, and predicts unqualified success
for the opera. Coming from a woman who has
According to unanimous reports of those who won international triumphs in the whole reper-
have been privileged to hear some of the musical toire of grand opera, this is high praise indeed.
rehearsals, Julian Edwards, composer of so many That it is not premature in evidenced by the fact
operatic sucesses, has scored again in "Love's that "Love's Lottery" is thoroughly rehearsed
Lottery," which he has written for Mme. Schu- and ready for production September 12 at the De-
mann-Heink, in collaboration with his favorite troit Opera House, which is Mr. Whitney's home
librettist, Stanislaus Stange. Indeed, Manager theatre, and the starting point of those other Ed-
Fred C. Whitney, who has produced more of Mr. wards' successes, "Dolly Varden" and "When
Edwards' operas than any other manager, and Johnny »Comes Marching Home."
is one of his greatest admirers, declares that the
composer of "Dolly Varden," "When Johnny
MUSIC PUBLISHERS' LIVE WIRES.
Comes Marching Home," "The Jolly Musketeer,"
"The Wedding Day," "Brian Boru," "The Magic
With the scattering of Howley, Dresser & Co.'s
Kiss," "Friend Fritz," and "King Rene's Daugh-
ter," has fairly outdone himself in this opera. effects much regret is expressed over the un-
timely misfortunes of the bankrupt firm. Their
catalogue, once regarded as one of the strongest
and most desirable in the business, and which
took years to build up and exploit, is now con-
trolled in part by liens, valid obligations that
must be liquidated before they again become as-
sets subject to the claims of creditors. As stated
in last week's REVIEW, 108 titles are covered by
the contingent bill of sale executed to the Charles
Francis Press, and which are to be handled ex-
clusively by Sol. Bloom the particulars of which
are detailed in his special announcement in con-
nection therewith elsewhere. Then James G.
Curtin, manager of the London Theatre, holds
about 35 titles under a like arrangement, but
as yet no disposition of this property has been
JULIAN EDWARDS.
made, so far as known. It will be remembered
Small wonder when he had the inspiration of
Mme. Schumann-Heink's magnificent voice to that the Enterprise Music Supply Co. are mar-
write for, since Mr. Edwards long ago proved that keting all the printed stock, which was consider-
all he needed was capable interpreters for his able.
operas.
"A Madcap Princess," a musical version of
When Manager Whitney succeeded in persuad-
ing Mme. Schumann-Heink to forsake grand Major's celebrated "When Knighthood Was in
opera to appear at the head of her own company Flower," had its first production at the Knicker-
she stipulated that her vehicle must be of the bocker Theatre Monday evening, and was ac-
highest class musically, although the plot might corded a rousing welcome. It was true comic
he of a light comedy vein. The selection of Mr, opera, the music being tuneful and harmonious.
Edwards as her composer was not only a de- Of the song hits may be mentioned: "Bluff King
served compliment, but a sort of poetic justice to Hal," which was received with much enthusi-
a man who has always steadfastly stood for the asm; "The Isle of the Sea," and "A Typical Cav-
highest standard of light opera. When the musi- alier," both rendered with telling effect by Lulu
cal comedy.wave swept over the country Mr. Ed- Glaser, the rollicking prima donna; and "Kings
wards, as an established and popular composer, of the Sea," which has a swinging chorus accom-
was offered numerous contracts to write the paniment. Other numbers were also encored.
music of song-and-dance farces, but he always re- The book and lyrics of "A Madcap Princess" are
fused. He would write good music or none. "But by Harry B. Smith, the music by Ludwig Englan-
where will you get the singers?" persisted the der and Joseph W. Stern & Co. have the publish-
managers, who maintained that the day of great ing rights.
prima donnas was gone. "Then I will wait," said
Mr. Edwards. His patience was rewarded when
The combination of dealers in Brooklyn and
Mme. Schumann-Heink took to light opera.
New York originated and fostered by the Crown
Moreover, Mme. Schumann-Heink is enthusi- Music Co., to offset the efforts of the department
astic over the score which Mr. Edwards has com- store sales, is said to have withered by the way-
JULIAN EDWARDS' NEW OPERA.
Notice of an Important Deal!
By arrangement with the CHARLES FRANCIS PRESS have acquired the sole and exclusive right to print, publish, and
sell One Thousand, One Hundred and Eight numbers of the
HOWLEY-DRESSER COMPANY CATALOGUE
which includes almost all of the most important publications that have enjoyed popular success. In case your jobber is unable to
supply you, send your orders direct to
Do not forget our popular successes:
LAUGHING WATER
THE GIRL YOU LOVE
NOBODY JUST LIKE YOU
A BIT OF BLARNEY
SAMMY
ST. LOUIS RAG
SOL. BLOOM
New Amsterdam Theatre Building
NEW YORK CITY
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
side. It was the intention to extend the alleged
benefits of the scheme to other cities, but as the
main strength of the olan depended on liberal
and persistent advertising the necessary appro-
priations seemed not to be forthcoming for the
purpose, hence its collapse.
The clever little musical comedy entitled "Paris
by Night," which electrified New York for the en-
tire 1904 summer season, is now going upon the
road, and has a lang list of dates at the principal
theatres throughout the United States. Chief
among the remarkable features of this production
was the immense success of Mr. Soloman's four
songs, entitled: "The Girl With the Changeable
Byes," "Loveland," "Turn Those Eyes Away,"
and "Starry Night for a Ramble."
The first performance of "Flo-Flo," the new
musical comedy by Collin Davis and Howard
Whitney, had its first performance at Trenton,
N. J., last Friday night, and those present report
emphatic success for the piece. Among the musi-
cal numbers which scored notable hits are "Many
Ways to Say 'Goodbye,'" " 'Phelia," "For the
Sake of Auld Lang Syne," "Rachel," "Girl of
Pearl," "Little Miss Wide-Awake," and a novelty
song entitled "A Wife is a Necessary Evil." How-
ard Whitney, who will be remembered for his
"Mosquito Parade," and other quaint instrumen-
tal conceits, has also written a danse eccentrique
entitled "Hop Scotch," which is one of the terpsi-
chorean hits of "Flo-Flo." The Witmarks will
publish the complete score.
Professionals are invited to use the chain of
department stores under the control of Shapiro,
Remick & Co. to advertise their dates in the re-
spective cities covered, providing, of course, they
are using the "Big Firm's" songs. Postal cards
with the name and addresses of these stores are
furnished gratis, and a part of the advertising
space under contract in the local papers will be
utilized in booming the singer and his repertoire
on appearance.
In Albert Ross Parsons' "Mind and Fingers:
Contrapuntal Exercises for Pianoforte Students,
Teachers and Virtuosi," just published by J. H.
Schroeder, the author observes, among other per-
tinent remarks in the introduction: "The present
work offers, alike to artists and to students of
pianoforte playing, from the earliest to the most
advanced grades, the material for practicing over
one thousand different combinations of the five
fingers in groups of six, twelve and twenty-four
notes, in parallel and contrary motion, in linary
and ternary rhythm, and in the major and minor
modes of all keys."
A list of songs that were referred to by a suc-
cessful dealer as "being sung and whistled nowa-
days," includes the following: "Peggy Brady,"
"Take Me Home," "Uncle Sam's Marines," "Goo
Goo Man," "You and I," "The Maid from Nico-
bar" (from the "Isle of Spice"), "Good Bye, Little
Girl, Good Bye," "Blue Bell," "Down at Rocka-
way," "Follow the Crowd on a Sunday," "Missis-
sippi Mamie," "My Little Eskimo," "Down in the
Vale of Shenandoah," "Please Come and Play in
My Yard," "Make a Fuss Over Me," "When the
Frost Is on the Pumpkin," "Upon a Sunday
Morning When the Church Bells Chime," "Just
for the Sake of Society," "O'Rielly," "It's a Way
SEASON'S SIGNAL SONG SUCCESSES THAT
ENJOY PERENNIAL POPULARITY
EGYPT
GARDEN OF DREAMS
PLAIN MAMIE O'HOOLEY
PEGGY BRADY
LOVER'S A. B. C.
FISHING
SWEET LOVE LAND
SLY MUSETTE
POLLY PRIM
FALL IN LINE
AFRICANA
WONG TING SING
V 7 BIG INDIAN CHIEF
j
PILLOWS OF DESPAIR
KITTY RAY
|
TURN THOSE EYES AWAY
Published by
JOS. W. STERN 6 CO.,
34 East 21st St., New York
CHICAGO
LONDON
SAN FRANCISCO
They Have in Chicago" (from the "Royal Chef"),
"Honey, I'm Waiting," "Karama," "Don't Cry,
Katie Dear," "Strolling 'Long the Pike,"
"Zenobie."
The musical hits of "Girls Will Be Girls," en
tour, are: "That Little Girl Is You," as sung by
Winifred Young and Lillian Bayer; "Sally," by
Ed. Mora and chorus; "My Brown Eyed Daisy,"
by Miss Bayer and chorus, and "Gee Wouldn't
That Be Great," which is the topical hit by Al.
Leech and the Three Rosebuds.
"Make Yourself at Home" is Pat Rooney's lat-
est effort, who is also the author of "On a Good
Old Trolley Ride." This song is his best yet and
will undoubtedly prove as big a hit as his former
success, if not bigger. Nearly every show leaving
New York this season, it is said, has interpolated
this number. The song is in the Harris cata-
logue.
Willis Woodward had this to say to The Re-
view, Tuesday: "There are only two kinds of
songs, good and bad. The good are those that sell
no matter how bad they are; and the bad are
those that do not sell no matter how good they
are." Such is his philosophy.
BRADY WANTS SONGS PROTECTED.
Believes Producers Should Share in the Pub-
lishing Rights.
William A. Brady is up in arms against the
music publishers and the composers who seek to
sell off songs which he thinks should properly
belong to the producers. A song called "Sally,"
which is being sung nightly at the Fourteenth
Street Theatre, is the bone of contention. N.
Harris Ware wrote the music and now is about to
sell the publishing rights without consulting Mr.
Brady. Mr. Brady said:
"When a man buys a musical piece and pays
twenty or twenty-five thousand dollars for it and
also pays the author and composer royalties every
week he should share in the publishing rights. I
wouldn't be surprised if certain managers got to-
gether in a few days and formed a co-operative
society to protect themselves. I think Congress
ought to be petitioned for a few corrections in
the international copyright law.'
ECHOES FROM THE HOUSE OF BLOOM.
The records for the season will undoubtedly
show some remarkably sood results from the
work accomplished within the past few weeks by
After a seven weeks' vacation abroad Jean
Schwartz, of the writing team of Jerome & Sol. Bloom's busy staff. Hardly a road show of
Schwartz and the staff of the "Big Firm," got any importance is without a number from this at-
home Saturday last. Ail of his time was passed tractive catalogue, and in many cases Sol. Bloom
between London and Paris, where he declares is represented by at least a trio of big numbers.
American songs "have the call," as he expressed One of the latest songs which has been accepted
it to The Review. "In London," he said, "the for a special feature number is "My Fair Red
sheet music is certainly American, and our songs Feather," a unique Indian composition from
are whistled and sung in all the principal music those prolific writers, Heelan and Helf, and
which will form a prominent feature of the musi-
halls and theatres. The same is-, partly true of
Paris and in the cafe chantants our hits appear cal programme of the "Beauty Doctor."
Few songs of recent years, the pals say, have
on all their programmes. We thought of taking
'Piff, Paff, Pouff" off at the Casino in November, indicated more surely all the attributes of a com-
but it is running to too good business and it will ing big "hit" than "A Bit o' Blarney," by the
therefore remain indefinitely. I propose interpo- same clever writers.
Experience has proved many things, and one
lating some new numbers, but as they are not
written yet cannot give you the titles. The play of them is that the American public knows a
will be taken to London next season, and will be good thing when it sees it. This remark applies
produced by the original company, in one of the particularly to a good song, even if that song
three theatres offered me when I was over there. does not happen to be one of the "craze" compo-
To-day (Tuesday) I signed a contract to write a sitions of the moment. The reception which has
new musical comedy, what I do not even know, been accorded to that charming little ballad
as I haven't been able to find my side partner, "Roses at Twilight," recently issued by Sol.
Billy Jerome, since returning. Ted Marks came Bloom, is a notable case in point. It is a gem in
back with me."
vocal composition, short, high class and haunting
to the memory. Everybody likes it, and like
W. H. Anstead attended the grand band tourna- "Violets," in which case "Roses at Twilight" un-
ment at Phillipsburg, Pa., which took place the questionably belongs, it is catching on with great
three first days of this week, as the official judge rapidity that looks as if even the popularity of
of the contest. Sixteen organizations partici- the old song would be eqmilled. It is a song like
pated, and the four prizes awarded were $100, $50, this that lends dignity to a catalogue of popular
$25 and $10, respectively. Mr. Anstead had been productions, and Sol. Bloom is not the one to fail
taking the waters at Saratoga with his wife, and to recognize the importance of a "find" like
cume to New York specially to accept the above "Roses at Twilight."
It is hard to secure novelty in a coon song now-
invitation. He had in previous years acted as
judge, and it was only after strong urging he con- adays, but the nearest thing to it is certainly
found in "Spooning." recently issued by Sol.
sented to act this time.
Bloom, and now being featured extensively by
black
and white acts alike. Meanwhile "My
The Witmarks are contemplating a permanent
and greatly enlarged branch establishment—an Heart Goes a Thumpin' and a P.umpin' for You"
all the year round store—at Atlantic City, N. J. and "My Blue Eyed Sue," a delightfully melodi-
Isadore Witmark has recently been looking over ous serenade, are steadily pushed along the path
some choice locations, with a view of purchasing of popular approval.
a site and erecting a building especially designed
for the purpose.
Intelligent action is bound to bring a ready re-
sponse wherever applied; this was made patent in
Pat Rooney, son and successor of the original the case of a campaign song recently composed by
Pat, is preparing a unique act for vaudeville. He Geo. Hayden Bromby, and submitted to the
has a band of clever boys, singers and expert Democratic nominee for the Presidency. The
dancers like himself, and puts on a realistic side- eminent jurist made a few corrections to the lyric
and graciously accepted its dedication. The notice
walk sketch entitled "The Street Urchins."
Among the musical numbers introduced are "I'll of this appearing in one of the more important
Be Your Dewdrop Rosey," by Richard Gerard and New York papers, suggested to Sol. Bloom, the
Tom Lemonier, and Dave Reed, Jr.'s, latest "coon" importance of acquiring the publishing rights to
march song, "Listen to de Big Brass Band." Mil- this; and a telegraphic communication to the
ton Aborn is booking the act for a solid season.
composer, Mr. Bromby, brought him to the long
distance telephone at an appointed hour, and ar-
Harry Von Tilzer is said to have sold 150,000 rangements were then and there agreed upon, and
copies of "In Dreamland," for which he never re- subsequent exchange of contracts the ultimate re-
ceived a penny from the management of this sult. The title of the song is "Pull Together
Boys."
great Coney Island show.

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