Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE.
46
THE
EDWARD LYMAN BILL - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
J. HAYDEN-CLARENDON. Editor
PnblUhcd Every Saturday at 1 Madison Avenue. New York
SUBSCRIPTION, (including postage), United States and
Mexico, $2.00 per year; Canada, $3.50; all other coun-
tries, $4.00.
Telephones—Numbers 4677 and 4678 Gramcrcy
Connecting all Departments
TRADE
REVIEW
any of the operas published by the house of Ri-
cordi than has the writer. In Geo, Maxwell, of
Rcospy & Co., and in Geo. Maxwell, alone, rests
the sole right of granting permission in the
Americas to produce any of the Ricordi publica-
tions. Of course, the Milan house looks with a
fatherly eye on the decision of Mr. Maxwell, who
often, it may be said, consults, by courtesy only,
Italian headquarters. It is certain, however, that
the Ricordi of America is Geo. Maxwell, and
from his decision there is no appeal. For Mr.
St. John-Brenon's enlightenment, it may be added
that for some considerable time it looked as
though neither Guilio Gatti-Casazza, nor Oscar
Hammerstein, would be granted permission to
produce any of the Ricordi operas during the
forthcoming season. Therefore, although Mr. St.
John-Brenon's information is correct in the ab-
stract, his ignorance of the fact that Mr. Max-
well and not Guilio Ricordi is responsible for the
negotiations in question shows that even "expert"
knowledge is occasionally liable to err. Indeed,
it seems that the brilliant young Irish critic has
been metaphorically talking through the some-
what misshapen hat which invariably adorns his
distinguished head.
ber to May, inclusive), at a special discount to
Subscribers of 80 per cent, net on Sheet Music,
and 50 per cent, net on Net Works. This sub-
scription entitles you to our quantity discount on
regular orders. If you do not have the trade for
New Music of this kind, which costs you less
than $2 per month, DO NOT SUBSCRIBE. We
have no desire to stock any dealer with goods for
which he has no market."
After digesting the last paragraph of the above
dignified communication, one cannot but believe
that the future of the sheet music trade is not
altogether hopeless.
The Unwelcome Guest.
During the past month, at least two songs have
come to the writer's attention, which are not
NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 19, 1908
mentioned by name, for the reason that it is
earnestly hoped the publishers—in one of the
cases, at least—will take this kindly-meant
criticism to heart and destroy the copies which
have already been printed. Of course, it may be
expedient to publish another edition, but it is
suggested that the new version be given a thor-
ough scouring with some strong disinfectant. It"
the numbers in question were published for a
Under the heading "Ricordi Favors No One,"
crowd of young men out for a convivial even-
our good friend Algernon St. John-Brenon, the
The Dignity of Independence.
ing, there may be some slight excuse for their
operatic "expert" of the New York Morning
Talking of the house of Boosey, the dignified
Telegraph, expresses himself as follows: "The attitude which this firm adopts toward the retail existence, but it must be remembered that such
songs are bought by young girls and women of
policy of the house of Ricordi with regard to the trade is so altogether admirable that the writer
operas, the rights of which that house control, makes no excuse for reproducing a paragraph delicacy and refinement, who oftentimes do not
and the rival impresarios here is now definitely
from a circular which has but lately been sent examine the contents until they are within the
settled. Guilio Ricordi will not grant exclu- to retail dealers throughout the country. It home circle. The first of these songs to which
sive rights to any one—that is, in respect of such reads: "Much music is offered on the American the writer takes exception was lately introduced
operas as 'Madame Butterfly,' 'La Tosca,' 'Fal- market at cheap rates. There is but one reason into a delightful musical comedy now playing
staff,' etc. Both of the New York opera houses for this cut rate policy, i.e., The goods evidently on Broadway, the author being a brilliant young
will be treated on an absolutely equal footing as need the service of bargain rates to introduce lyricist who is already becoming a familiar figure
far as rights are concerned. The Casa Ricordi them. Boosey & Co.'s publications do not require in the literary life of New York. The publishers,
will make certain stipulations as to the class of
such an introduction, and the publishers offer it is gratifying to record, were no sooner ad-
vised of the obviousness of the'lyric than they
singers to sing in them. It is explained that them purely upon their merits."
exclusive clauses were granted to Mr. Conried
The circular in question is accompanied by a gave a positive assurance that the objectionable
before any competition with him had arisen, and letter which we reproduce in full, and which verses would not be printed. To the best of the
writer's belief they also used their influence to
that now no exclusivity clause of any kind exists reads:
stop the suggestive verses from being sung. The
in the contracts in force between the Casa
"To the Trade—We are agents for the greatest
Ricordi and M. Guilio Gatte-Casazza, or the Casa of all European Composers of Operas, Song other song referred to is of a far more flagrant
type, as so far as can be seen, there is actually,
Ricordi and Mr. Hammerstein."
Cycles, Songs (English, Italian and French),
no
rhyme or reason why it should ever have seen
"Expert" Opinion.
Piano Music for Educational and Concert pur-
the light of day.
The above is interesting if only to demonstrate poses—and such compositions are in demand all
that operatic "experts" are oftentimes utterly at over the country all the time. How can you sup-
He Who Excuses, Accuses Himself.'
sea regarding their facts. It should be well known ply your customers with up-to-date publications
On the title page of the song in question, the
by this time that Guilio Ricordi, or indeed any unless you keep posted with the latest Music? title of which in itself contains nothing sug-
other of the Ricordis, have no more power to We select only the best, and issue as Novelties gestive to the right thinking man or woman, are
grant the performing rights in this country for an average of 15 items monthly (from Septem- the words, "Honi Soit Qui Mal'y Pense," placed
COMMENTS B Y -
c
M«KIHLtY10 MUSIC
OUR LATEST ENGLISH
BALLAD SUCCESS
"ROSE IN THE BUD"
Music by
DOROTHY FORSTER
Four Keys, B&, C, D&, E*
CHAPPELL & CO., Ltd.
37 West 17th Street, New York
Writs To-Day for Simples and Special Offer
McKINLEY MUSIC CO. WM. McKINLEY, Pros.
158 Harrison St., Chicago
74 5th Ave., N. Y.
YES! WE ARE STILL ISSUING NEW FOLIOS
THE LATEST IS
*' The Most Popular Selections
FROM THE
Moat Popular Operas"
'Arranged for Piano)
"THE MOST COMPLETE OPERATIC
FOLIO EVER PUBLISHED"
Write for Special Introductory Rates
Hinds,Noble & Eldredge, ft*
AMALGAMATION
We beg to announce to the trade that the catalogs of the old established houses
T. B. HARMS CO. and FRANCIS, DAY & HUNTER
have been amalgamated and will in future be controlled by the T. B. HARMS & FRANCIS DAY CO.
We beg to thank the trade for past favors and trust to be honored with a continuance of your
esteemed support.
The new company has also established connections with the famous German firms of N. SIMROCK,
a n d BOTE & BOCK, o i Berlin, to carry a full line of their publications. New price list on application.
T. B. HARMS & FRANCIS DAY CO.
1431-1433 BROADWAY
Costs You 3 Cents
NEW
YORK
COME TIME AGO WE
u TOLD YOU
"Just Someoive
WOULD BE THE BIG
SELLER! THIS PROPH-
ECY HAS COME TRUE.
IF THE DEMAND HAS
NOT REACHED YOU,
IT WILL! ORDER NOW
AND BE PREPARED.
M. WITMARK ® SONS
144 West 37th St..NEW YORK CITY