Music Trade Review

Issue: 1904 Vol. 39 N. 22

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
41
In tKe World of Music PxiblisKing
REVIEW OF TRADE CONDITIONS.
An Active Campaign Looked for With the
Opening of the New Year—A Disturbing
Factor During the Past Year has Been the
"Dog Eat Dog" Selling Policy Which Has
Obtained Among the Cheaper Houses, In-
juring Dealers and Publishers Alike—Condi-
tions Are Such That a Readjustment of
Methods and Agencies for the Distribution
of Music Between Dealer and Publisher Must
Soon Follow.
NO COPYRIGHT IN TITLES.
Some Important Information Vouchsafed by
the Secretary of the Society of Authors.
The nature of ownership in music or book
titles is by no means generally understood,
though the efforts of certain publishers to avoid
collision with titles already used has brought the
matter to public notice. The secretary of the So-
ciety of Authors explains the state of the case
thus: There is no copyright in titles, properly
speaking, nor ownership in titles as such. It is
only when a title is clearly original with the
About six weeks or a month preceding the holi- author, or when its use by another constitutes a
days the sale of sheet music falls off, especially fraud upon the public, that there is a case in
in the large cities, and publishers are acting ac- law against the plagiarist. Thus Swinburne
cordingly. That is to say, such ginger and would have no remedy against a novelist who
energy as are necessary attributes of every first- chose the name of "Bothwell" for his romance,
class go-ahead, up-to-date house—the dead ones since there would be no danger of the public mis-
relying on their ancieni prestige, a slowly van- taking the play for the novel. Obviously, too, no
ishing and intangible asset, not being considered ownership could attach to titles of a general sort,
in the running—are being conserved for an active like "Our Village" and "A Boy's Town," unless
campaign with the opening of the new year. It intended fraud or substantial damage were
is believed and the belief will be followed by proved. On the other hand, it is probable that
practical application, that business will develop the courts would restrain a publisher from ad-
then on a scale, breaking all records. Experi- vertising a new "Encyclopaedia Britannica" or
enced publishers with Sound views and the es- "Statesman's Year-Book," while a bona-fide Har-
sential capital to back their opinions, combined per would be obliged to publish his "magazine"
with an inclination to employ their financial re- under another name than his own. Such is the
sources judiciously, hold that the last lew years general principle. Practically, the decisions
have shown such a remarkable development in made on the merits of each case by the courts;
this branch of the music trade that greater prog- though the courtesy of the trade and the usual
ress may yet be expected. Naturally firms giv- insignificance of the books that appear under the
ing voice to these expressions are far removed names of their betters prevent many such cases
from the "dubs," as the v are designated in the from coming up.
vernacular, who have done so much to reduce the
business to its present unsatisfactory conditions,
TESCHNER'S SUCCESSFUL TRIP
and to a level greatly deprecated by all with a
knowledge of the facts.
Through the West—Some Agreeable Impres-
On this point it may be said further, simply
sions of His Calls on Members of the Trade
as reflecting current opinions, that the "cheap
at
Various Points—Some
Recent
Trade
fellows" continue to increase and multiply much
Accessions.
to the harassment of publishers with heavy in-
vestments involved, and who at the same time
I. Walden Teschner, the energetic business man-
are ambitious, to place the business on the high- ager of Sol. Bloom's establishment, settled down
est possible plane. Naturally the "dog-eat-dog" to his daily routine from a whirlwind run about
selling policy that has become such a disturbing the western trade on Monday. He was absent two
factor during the past year is the result of the weeks, and in that time saw the principal deal-
fiercest competition ever known. Dealers every- ers and jobbers in Buffalo, Detroit, Cnicago, Mil-
where are feeling its baleful effect, but within a waukee, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Omaha, Denver,
radius of 500 miles of the storm center in New Kansas City, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburg,
York City, where one ridiculous move is followed Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Of his
by another still worse, the state of mind of the journey the astute gentleman had this to say to
regular dealer may be more easily imagined than The Review
described. Jobbers are kept busy trying to ex-
"While it has been nearly two years since I
plain the anomalous situation of their demand have been over the same ground, the trip is an
for what was once generally regarded as the annual affair with this house, and has hitherto
established price and the so-called "sales day" been looked after by the chief in person. What
figures—often less than half—that now seem to selling was done by me was incidental, for I
control in the rag-time policy of certain depart- merely 'hit the trail' to feel the pulse of the
ment stores. They have a hard task, because, as trade, simply shake hands and exchange the
a matter of fact, they are fighting for their own usual pleasant courtesies inseparable from meet-
existence. Therefore if this decimating warfare
is maintained much longer a readjustment of
methods and agencies for the distribution of mu-
sic as between the dealer and publisher must
follow as certain as the night succeeds the day.
ing a number of gentlemen whose connections
add luster and prestige to the business. My re-
ception everywhere was splendid, being warmly
congratulated upon the happy change in my per-
sonal business relations, and the assurance that
the house of Sol. Bloom was regarded as one of
the most enterprising and progressive in the line.
Dealers and jobbers look forward to a big sea-
son, and not one discouraging plaint was heard.
No changes of any account have occurred, except-
ing that the trade is taking a closer interest in
the sale of sheet music, and are adopting mod-
ern methods in exploiting and pushing the 'good
things' that come along.
"In Chicago I tarried four days, and was sur-
prised at the size of Sol. Bloom's office and their
elegant appointments, and in which our New
York quarters suffer by comparison. The volume
of business transacted and the intelligent man-
ner in which it is handled by Miss Hattie Bloom
and her corps of capable assistants, chief of whom
is Miss Mintz, head of the professional depart-
ment, is worthy of all praise. J. A. Forster Co.
has become one of the most powerful jobbing
factors not only in the West, but of the whole
country—bar none. Then we have just taken
over the sheet music department of Carson, Pirie,
Scott & Co., one of the handsomest and most
fashionable dry goods stores in the western
metropolis.
"Everywhere I found 'A Bit of Blarney' an im-
mense success, so much so that we have raised
the price from 50 cents to 60 cents. Then Wm.
H. Penn's latest ballad, 'Kisses,' has taken hold
wonderfully, considering it has been out only-
six weeks. Our latest descriptive march, 'Fight-
ing the Flames,' by Paul Rubens, just published,
is a winner, and the advance sales a record-
breaker. A number of resident representatives
were also effected on my trip, from which splen-
did results will undoubtedly follow. I found The
Review on file with the most desirable trade, and
highly esteemed and closely read, which pleased
me greatly for more reasons than one."
REVIEWOQRAPHS.
Walter J. Reynolds, of Price & Reynolds, the
prominent publishing firm of London, Eng., who
made a flying trip to New York for a special
conference with Jos. W. Stern & Co., sailed for
home, Tuesday, aboard the steamship Majestic, of
the White Star Line.
Among other reports current, and this is
vouched for as true, is that a leading commercial
association has condemned the actions of a cer-
tain New York department store which was
charged with awaiting the appearance of a pub-
lisher's announcement in the evening papers in
order to print a cut under of prices in a later
edition. The parties concerned are both mem-
bers, and the above practice was declared not
JOHN W. BRATTON'S LATEST SUCCESSES
VOCAL
MUSIC OF "HIGGLEDY PIGGLEDY."
There is no doubt but that all the music ot
"Higgledy Piggledy," the Weber & Ziegfeld pro-
duction, composed by Maurice Levi, is the best
music of his career. Such numbers as "Nancy
Clancy," "A Great Big Girl Like Me," "Big In-
dian and His Little Maid," "In Gay Paree,"
"Game of Love" and "I'm So Lonesome" seem to
be on the high road to popularity and a big sell-
ing record. The "House of Ballads." namely, that
presided over by Chas. K. Harris, that genius of
a writer in songs of a pathetic and sentimental
nature.
I'M ON THE WATER WAGON NOW
HAPPY JAPPY SOLDIER MAN
Words by Paul West
Words by Paul West
MY COSEY CORNER GIRL
Words by Chas. Noel Douglas
INSTRUMENTAL
LACES AND GRACES—Novelette
IN A PAGODA—Characteristic
THE ROSES' HONEYMOON—Reverie
M. WITMARK & SONS, New Yo*k
CHICAGO
LONDON
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
42
only illegitimate, but that hereafter the so-called logue when in its prime. Among the recent is-
"bargain sale" ads. will run regular, with neither sues of the Haviland firm are: Vocal—"The Gum
tails nor strings attached or the possibility of a Shoe Man," by Chas. S. Taylor; "The Boy Who
"kicker" later on the same date. Perhaps this is Went Away," by Raymond A. Broune; "My Old
the beginning of the end in the pernicious sacri- Sweetheart," by Thurland Chattanay; "Every-
fice policy, but it is certain the fight is to a finish where," by Henry Frantzer.
Instrumental—
and that it must take a natural course and die "Cranberries," two-step, by George H. Bell; "On
out gradually. The co-operation of other publish- the Nile," by Fred H. Shepard.
ers is regarded as a farce, utterly impossible of
accomplishment for reasons inherent in the Another musical comedy success to be pub-
business; and that this proposal is neither desir- lished by Chas. K. Harris is "His Honor, the
able, practicable or even wise. Now, then, Mayor of the Bowery," starring the well-known
singing comedian, Dan McAvoy. The book and
what next?
lyrics are by George Totten Smith, and music
Raymond Brown has been attached to the writ- by George A. Nichols.
ing staff of Sol. Bloom. He has a "bunch" now
in for inspection of the censor with the eagle
The Oliver Ditson Co. issues this month a new
eye and the ever-ready blue pencil.
scng by the well-known writer, Arthur Trevel-
yan, "Love Lives Forever." It is in the popular
Several new illustrated ballads have been put vein; that is, the melody is not only simple and
on the market lately, but the two new numbers, singable, but the lilting refrain is distinctly
"The Sweetest Girl in Dixie" and "Nobody Seems catchy and "whistleable." The song will not
to Love Me Now," published by Shapiro, Remick only please a parlor audience, but will make a
& Co., are certainly in the front rank. Beauti- hit on the stage.
ful words, melody not easily forgotten, and slides
On the occasion of the visit of President Roose-
of the highest degree of excellence, combine to
make these numbers popular. Their success is velt to the World's Fair, St. Louis, on November
26 next, the Exposition Orchestra of eighty in-
counted upon as a foregone conclusion.
strumentalists will perform Rudolph Aronson's
Publishers unquestionably have much to con- latest composition, "Our President," march, dedi-
tend with writers who wish to sell their cake cated by permission to the Chief Executive.
and eat it as well. Eager to make contracts, at
the same time if they happen to produce an STERN & CO. SCORE AGAIN IN "HUMPTY
DUMPTY."
actual hit, not a few of the fraternity immedi-
ately start out to circumvent their signed agree-
The presentation of Klaw & Erlanger's mag-
ments. The favorite dodge is to claim that the
nificent
pantomime, "Humpty Dumpty," at the
melody was an early effort of their genius, tossed
off before they ever dreamed of the contract in New Amsterdam Theatre, November 14th, gives
form. An incident of this kind came under the Jos. W. Stern & Co. another successful Broadway
notice of The Review the other day, in which the production in which the music is published ex-
writer consulted a rival house as to his probable clusively by this enterprising house. The music
position in the matter. The words were con- of "Humpty Dumpty" was written solely by the
fessed to be of recent origin, but the music, the now world-famous authors and composers, Bob
writer stated, antedated the contract in question, Cole and the Johnson Bros., and they have suc-
and therefore why was he not entitled to do with ceeded in producing a series of songs, of which at
his own as he willed? This advice was given: least five are rated as certain to become popular,
"My boy, doubtless your contract called for every- namely, "My Mexico," "On Lalawanna's Shore,"
thing—words and music—during the term of the both sung by Maude Lillian Berri; "Sambo and
contract, and while, as you say, the music was Dinah," sung by Lillian Coleman and John Mc-
originated in the era preceding the date first Vey; "Pussy and the Bow-Wow," as sung by Nel-
mentioned in the instrument under consideration, lie Day and John McVey, and "Man! Man! Man!"
the words are undoubtedly the sole and exclu- sung by Frank Moulan. All together the produc-
sive property of the publisher figuring as one tion is an assured success, neither expense nor
of the high contracting parties. Now, then, you pains have been spared to make it the most
could not use the words, not even give them even sumptuous ever staged, and the musical numbers
to your own mother, and an injunction would are decidedly one of the most agreeable figures.
Weber & Rush's production, "Paris by Night,"
lie against either action if contemplated. When
the music was born is a matter for your own has just scored as big a hit in Chicago, as it made
conscience, in which the moral law is a weighty all summer in New York. Alfred Solman's songs,
vehicle of determination, or else the ordinary "The Girl With the Changeable Eyes" and "In
human tribunals might be called upon to adjudi- Sweet Loveland," continue to be the feature songs
cate." When the writer had retired with a "bug of the show.
May Irwin, who is starring this year in "Mrs.
in his ear," the Alcalde added, sub rosa: "That
is only one of many similar cases, and I have Black is Back," has had her usual good luck in
written too many contracts of this kind to ren- securing a record-breaking coon song hit. It is
der any other judgment, no matter who the pub- entitled "I Love To Two-Step With My Man," and
lisher may be; it is one of the bulwarks of the she is taking seven encores nightly on it. Stern
& Co. are publishing this song, as well as several
business."
other hits by its author, Hughie Cannen.
The rehearsals for the new opera in which
Through and by a contract entered into with
Lillian Russell is to star, entitled "Lady Teazle,"
J. H. Curtin, of New York City, the F. B. Havi-
are now well on the way, and the musical score
land Publishing Co. have entered into an agree-
by A. Baldwin Sloane (lyrics by John Kendrick
ment whereby they will act as exclusive and sole
Bangs) is already in the hands of Jos. W. Stern
selling agents for about eighteen songs formerly
& Co., who are to publish it.
published by the Howley, Dresser Co., and con-
sidered among the best sellers in the latter's cata-
PRODUCING THE LATEST SUCCESSES.
POPULAR SONG and INSTRUMENTAL HITS
FISHING
EGYPT
PLAIN MAMIE O'HOOLEY
PEGGY BRADY
POLLY PRIM MARCH
SHAME ON YOU
FALL IN LINE
BIG INDIAN CHIEF
ISLE OF SPICE
SAMBO GIRL
JEWEL OF ASIA
TWO ROSES
MADCAP PRINCESS
RED FEATHER
Published by
JOS. W . STERN 6 CO.,
34 East 21st St., New York
CHICAGO
LONDON
SAN FRANCISCO
While the smaller stock companies in the lesser
cities are preparing to give their annual revivals
of "East Lynne" and "A Celebrated Case," the
Proctor stock companies are appearing in some
of the famous plays of the past few seasons. One
notable achievement was the presentation of "The
Stubbornness of Geraldine," in which Mary Man-
nering scored a distinct success. This was re-
produced entire with all of the original scenery,
including the famous ship effect, in which the en-
tire stage is set to represent the deck of a steamer
at sea; the deck pitching with a naturalness that
is most effective. "The Greatest Thing in the
World" is another recent capture and there are
negotiations now pending whereby other new
plays will be given to the stock company for use,
after which they will revert to their owners for
road production. A couple of weeks ago "The
Henrietta," the great Robson and Crane success,
was given its first stock production, and even
more notable achievements are now practically
assured. Zangwill's "Six Persons," produced at
Proctor's Fifth Avenue this week, marks another
forward movement at this enterprising house.
MANTEL KLEIN.
One of the youngest composers now before the
public, who has already achieved considerable
fame as an orchestral conductor, having been
honored with the post of leader at the new Ly-
ceum Theatre, New York, is Manuel Klein, whose
portrait heads this article.
Mr. Klein began his musical studies at a very
early age, but he is too modest to state when he
wrote his first composition, but the public have
heard of him from time to time as a performer
and conductor. His name was brought into
prominence as a composer when "Mr. Pickwick"
appeared, and so successfully was that comic
opera brought out by De Wolf Hopper that the
public wanted to hear another of equal merit.
The music of "Mr. Pickwick" was written by
Manuel Klein, the book by Charles Klein, and the
lyrics by Grant Stewart, and immediately after
the initial performance these three gentlemen
found themselves famous. Offers soon after came
from every source for Mr. Klein's services, but
he is not a composer to do his work carelessly;
consequently most of them were politely refused.
He found time, however, from his regular work
as conductor to write the incidental music to
"The Proud Prince," E. H. Sothern's play, and
to "Captain Barrington," in which Charles Rich-
man is a star. Mr. Klein also wrote a song for
Mr. Richman, entitled "Here's to the Loved Ones
at Home," which he sings with a great deal of
fire and spirit. It is a soldier song of unusual
merit and is encored nightly. Another song of
Mr. Klein's, which is sung in "The Girl From
Dixey," with good effect, is called 'When I Look
Into Those Lovey, Dovey Eyes."
A work which will bring him many new friends
and which will be hailed with delight by musical
and literary circles everywhere, is a new comic
opera which Mr. Klein is writing in collaboration
with John Kendrick Bangs, the famous humor-
ist and author. It will, no doubt, be the sensa-
tion of the season. No title has as yet been given
to the new comic opera; or, at least, the public
has not been let into the secret of its name.
M. Witmark & Sons, New York, who are Mr.
Klein's exclusive publishers will handle all the
musical scores and songs of this work, which is
sure to become famous.

Download Page 41: PDF File | Image

Download Page 42 PDF File | Image

Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).

Pro Tip: You can flip pages on the issue easily by using the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard.