Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1925 2032

Page 5 Text:

July 4, 1925.
PRESTO
CHRISTMAN
"The First Touch Tells"
ENCOURAGING THE
MUSIC WRITERS
New York Publishing House of J. Fischer &
Bro. Puts Forth Entertaining Series of
Booklets in Which Living American
Composers Are Given Their Due.
MOVE IN RIGHT DIRECTION
CHRISTMAN
Reproducing Grand
Equipped with
Action
Is a marvel of tone and expressive
interpretation of all classes of com-
position, reproducing perfectly the
performances of the world's great-
est pianists.
Put New Life Into Your Trade
By Selling the Famous
Studio Grand
(only 5 ft. long)
It will Fascinate any Discriminat-
ing Customer and Insure the Sale.
CHRISTMAN
GRANDS, UPRIGHTS
PLAYERS
AND
REPRODUCING PIANOS
"The First Touch Tells"
. U. t. Pat. Of.
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St.
New York
At Last There Seems to Be a Chance for Our Native
Musicians to Secure the Kind of Recognition
Their Talents Deserve.
Here's something worth while—really worth while.
Tt has been common enough to read slushy praise of
unknown musicians and writers, phrased in the lan-
guage of the night-working newspaper or couched
in the vernacular of the lay enthusiastic in music,
whose only qualifications may be the "gift" of say-
ing things without much meaning. Even so-called
musical criticism, as we find it today, often has little
bearing upon the understanding of either music or its
interpreters. Much less of the ones by whose divine
passion music is created.
Consequently and therefore, we say that something
worth while has been done, or is being done, by the
great music publishing house of J. Fischer & Bro.,
New York, in the putting forth of a set of "Studies
of Contemporary American Composers," by John
Tasker Howard. And, even were Mr. Howard's
writings less fluent, or even lacking in the always
apparent understanding of his subjects, the plan of
doing something for American composers would be
commendable. It must be applauded. We have been
told, over and over again, that all the efforts of our
critics and publishers, as well, also, as of our audi-
ences, is to promote the genius of foreigners. Any-
thing that will contradict that notion and, better
still, disprove it, must be welcome, and must wprk
a great good to the musical possibilities of our coun-
try.
American Music.
We are a musical people—no longer can that be
questioned. We have produced some of the greatest
singers, and many remarkably proficient pianists and
violinists. Our musical directors are the equal of any
of the imported talent, and in popular songs we have
led the world, and even set a new pace, as the attend-
ant at any London or Paris music hall will recog-
nize.
It is the American song that is hummed by the
street gamin abroad, as well as at home, and the
radio broadcasters fill the night air with American
melodies—unless they are stopped in it by the copy-
right law and the composers' associations.
And so we say that the work of Mr. Howard and
his publishers, J. Fischer & Bro., of New York, is
worth while. The studies are presented in pamphlet
form, clearly printed, and made the more interesting
by thematic extracts from the compositions of their
subjects. And to any music lover not familiar with
all of the present generation of men of musical
genius, the three studies just out—those of Alexander
Russell, Eastwood Lane and James P. Dunn respec-
tively—must bring a message of gratification.
Too Long Neglected.
For in these booklets are the assurances of a new
recognition, and the kind of recognition for which
past American composers looked in vain. In the
days of Dudley Buck, Ethelbert Nevin, Edward Mc-
Dowell, J. R. Thomas, Carlyn Floria, Fred Root,
Wm. Sherwood—and a host of others too large to
enumerate, even partially—there was nothing but the
speechless catalogues, with the inane "puffs" of the
clerks, except when the composers were also per-
formers or singers, which is not often the case. As
showing the literary style of Mr. Howard, here is the
opening paragraph of the study of James P. Dunn:
"Talent is a heaven-sent gift, for which the pos-
sessor may take small credit to himself. The devel-
opment of talent is quite another matter, and for the
labor of increasing his gifts, the talented one deserves
much praise."
By way of thematic proof of the writer's appre-
ciation, the composer's choral work, "Music of
Spring," is cited. And it is worthy. Eastwood Lane,
second in the series of studies, has been a prolific
composer. He was born in the early eighties, at
Brewerton, N. Y. Plainly his genius is ample and
his technical skill great. He has evidently done much
to entitle him to a place among the contemporary
American composers. The thematic extracts from
his works prove that.
More to Follow.
The third sketch by Mr. Howard treats of the tal-
ents of Alexander Russell, and of his compositions.
He was born in Franklin, Term., in 1881, and is de-
scribed as a very practical, hard-headed man of af-
fairs, as well as a thoroughly schooled musician. And
he has done some fine work as his song setting of a
lyric from Tagore, "I Hold Her Hand," proves. It
is a work which must delight any really good singer.
But the point is that the American composers are
having their inning so far as the powerful house of
Fischer is concerned. These "studies" furnish an
encouraging sign of what must be due to native musi-
cal creative genius. We can't have too much of this
kind of recognition and the house of J. Fischer &
Bro. deserves credit, for its special enterprise.
HELPS FOR DEALERS WHO
REPRESENT THE ANGELUS
Forceful Booklet and Series of Advertisements for
Local Papers Supplied to the Trade.
The Hallett & Davis Piano Co., Boston, has issued
a useful Angelus booklet which is in great demand by
dealers. It is instructive, attractive in its get-up, and
will be an aid in closing sales. The Angelus is fur-
ther promoted in a manner convenient to the trade
by a series of five well-displayed ads, of which mats
for local newspapers are supplied to dealers for their
local advertising.
The plan is one of great convenience to retailers
who sell the famous Angelus. It is advised that deal-
ers secure the mats and the local papers*will "do the
rest." The space occupied by each ad ij about eight
inches single column, and the manner yi which the
advantages of the Angelus are presented must hejii
salesmen who represent the pioneer instrument of the
artistic automatic family. And the prices are plainly
marked in all the Angelus advertisements.
PRESTO BUYERS'
GUIDE NOTICE
The 1925 Edition of Presto Buyers' Guide,
the "Book That Sells Pianos," is already en-
tirely exhausted. It is the second time in
the twenty-nine years since the book first ap-
peared that the demand has been such as to
render this announcement necessary. Copies
of the preceding editions may still be had,
and the issue of 1924 is so nearly up-to-date
as to be almost equally useful in the hands of
salesmen. The "Premium Edition" also is
good for selling purposes, and it may be had
for 25 cents a copy—one-half the regular
price.
The entirely new Presto Buyers' Guide for
1926 is in preparation and will be ready in
October. Advance orders, especially for quan-
tities, should be placed early. Subscribers to
Presto, the American Music Trade Weekly,
between now and October 1st, will receive a
copy of the new Presto Buyers' Guide for
1926 without charge as soon as it appears.
PRESTO PUBLISHING CO.,
417 South Dearborn Street,
Chicago, 111.
GEO.
P. BENT EASTBOUND.
As a steady traveling man George P. Bent is as
much of a success as he is the champion host to more
piano men than any other on record. Mr. Bent left
Los Angeles for Chicago on Friday of this week. He
expects to meet his wife in New York on the 10th
of this month on her arrival from abroad. Mr. Bent
attended the Western Music Trade Convention in
Los Angeles, which closed on June 26th.
JESSE FRENCH & SONS IS LEADER.
The Jesse French & Sons pianos are carried by
the Winneld Music Store, 202 East Ninth street, Win-
field, Kan., which held its informal opening recently.
The pianos and players of the New Castle, Ind., man-
ufacturers form the leading line carried by the house.
The company also carries a complete line of musical
merchandise, including the Frank Holton band
instruments.
NEW NAME FOR IOWA FIRMV
The Rhodes Music Store is the ne wname of the
business in Lacona, la., formerly known as the
Whitely Music Company, operated for several years
by C. H. Beai. The new owner, A. L. Rhodes, was
formerly connected with the Alexander Music Co.,
Leon, la.
Enhanced content © 2008-2009 and presented by MBSI - The Musical Box Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
All Rights Reserved. Digitized from the archives of the MBSI with support from NAMM - The International Music Products Association (www.namm.org).
Additional enhancement, optimization, and distribution by the International Arcade Museum. An extensive collection of Presto can be found online at http://www.arcade-museum.com/library/

Page 6 Text:

P R ES
July 4, 1925.
^&i:
. ' • • * * .
[• •
i
li.."
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WESTERN TRADE MEET
WAS GREAT SUCCESS
LETTER-FR0MDE PACHMANN
Enthusiastic Convention at Lps^ Angeles
Seemed ILike Loud Echd of tfce Recent
Gathering in Chicago.;
The latter to. George
W. Armstrong, Jr., pres-
ident, Baldwin Piano Co.,
Cincinnati, dated May 24,
at the Hotel ^St. Regis',
New ".York, \vhich fol-
lows, was- recently re-
ceived-from Vladimir de
Pachmann, the famous
pianist, prior to his sail-
ing "for England, where
he is now appearing with
the Baldwin on the Eng-
lish concert stage. The
photograph from which
the cut was made was
taken during the loading
of the Baldwin Grand
pianos which Mr. de
Pachmann is using in
England:
The convention of_ the Western MUSBC" Trades As-
sociation at-Los Angeles, California, with headquar-
ters at the Biltmore Hotel, closad on Friday of last
week, June 26th. The attendance was the largest in
the history of the organization, «nd the enthusiasui
was fontinuous throughout the meeting. A good
4nany of the* prominent eastenr members of the in-
dustry, and *trade were in attendance. The entire
'week was filled with the affairs of'the trade arid plans
for. making 'h all that the inost earnest could wish. •
•The election erf officers wasthe point of most in-
terest to maliy members of the association, and the
•following wire-elected for the ensuing year:
Ed Kelly, Seattle, president"; P..T. Clay, San Fran-
cis"co, first vice-president; Ed Uhl, Los Angeles, sec-
ond- vice-president, and R. E. Robinson, treasurer.
The secretary will be chosen by the officers, it was
Dear. Mr. Armstrong:
.stated. T;h£;new board of directors includes the fol-
m I have come to the end
lowing:
•
.•-'•-.'.
.{*'
of -my long American
Frank Anrys, San Francisco; J. W. Boothe, Lp$" I tours.
For nearly two
Angeles; Geprge Q. Chase, San Francisco;' Charles .years I have been travel-
ing over the length and
Corb|u, Seattle; J. R. lytz^erald, LoS An#eles; G.'F.
breadth of the United
Jnhnlori/Pjoifcland;. A. D. La.Motte, San biegpi Nor-
States and Canada and
Hjan^Ma.w,'^n t Di^o; *H. L. Nolder t Las Angeles;
have played on the Bald-
4^Vas. fctarx, ^Sacramentol "S. S. Hockett, Fresno; W.
win Concert Grand one
C. Or ton* representing" Montana;. J. Redewell, repre-
hundred and ten recitals.
senting. Arizona; Glen Roberts'/representing Utah;
In my hotel rooms and
L. L, Eby, representing Washington, and C. B. Sam-
in my New York apart-
son, representing Idaho.
ment I have had, through
your
courtesy,
small
The closir|g meeting, on June 26th, was one of
grands for my practicing.
especial interest, and the speakers who were heard
Now, as I am about to
during..the w^ek spread many thoughts of encourage-
leave, I want once again
ment and inspiration. Among the speeches which
to thank you for your in-
aroused interest were those by Mark Campbell, of
numerable kindnesses and L O W E R T N G D R PACHMANN S "RATvDWTN" PTANO TNTO HOT,!"! OP* -«CEAN
-I^-ew.York; IJIarry S. Carroll, publicity director of the
to restate my belief that my great success has been
because during the pasf tw'o* years ?in my
' Broadway PJepartment Store, Los Angeles; E. C.
flue to the quality of all your pianos. Through them
American tour I have dtscovere'd th-at for
' Mtfls, t>f the Society of Composers, Authors and Pub-
1 have found full expression of my art.
the best piano in the world. '.Through the
^
of its tone 1 have been able, I believe, to.realfefc tlje
"likhers/New York City; Geo. P. Bent; and N. C.
While I am leaving America, I am not leaving the
fullest potentialities of my* art.*' Aside; however^- from
\^ilSDn, advertising manager of Sherman, Clay & Co.,
the tone I have been charmed .by thin facility ,of" tlie
•San Francisco.
Baldwin action and in the particular spacing of,the
. . Plans for next year's convention will be arranged
Baldwin keys I have found a flow for> rapid" pa'ssages
at' an early date and particulars, as well as comment
beyond all my dreams. It has seemed at times as
on the meeting just closed will appear in Presto.
though the piano were playing itself, so slight* hts
been the effort required for tonal re.sppnse. ."•• V».!
With my kindest greetings to you -personalty: arfd
with my best wishes for the enternal success "of'the
Baldwin Piano Company, I beg to rerhain; a's'.ever,"*"
Yours most sincerely,
' :
NEW RullNG ANNOUNCED BY
" EEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
No Public Announcement of Complaints Will Be
.
Made Until Defense is Entered.
."•'Anew ruling by the Federal Trade Commission
l-.H£s been announced which covers the publication of
complaints against firms for alleged unfair methods
. of competition. In future the respondent is allowed
.' to enter a- defense before the complaint is published.
. r-.When the respondent has filed answer with the
'commission both the complaint and answer then will
• be open to the public for inspection under rules pre-
. scribed -by the secretary of the commission.
' Commissioner Huston Thompson dissented from
the'adoption by the majority of the new rule. He
asserted that "it will permit star chamber proceed-
ings to be carried on by the commission."
The new rule on publicity reads as follows: "From
this date, in the settlement of any matter by stipula-
tion before complaint is issued, no statement in refer-
ence thereto shall be made by the commission for
publication. After a complaint is issued no statement
in regard to the case shall be made by the commis-
sion for .publication until after final determination of
the Ca-ge.
"After a complaint has been issued and the answer
of the'respondent has been filed, or in case the re-
spondent fails to file an answer by the rules provided,
.•tfee.papers in the case shall be open to the public for
• inspection, under such rules and regulations as the
secretary may prescribe."
The majority of the commission issued a state-
ment setting forth its reasons for adoption of the
secret form of instituting proceedings.
v. DE PACHMANN:-:
:
PROGRESS OF MEMPHIS FIRM.
Witzmann-Stuber, Inc., music dealers, Memphis,
Tenn., recently leased three stores in the new Pea-
body Hotel, where a window frontage of 90 feet, is
available. The company has been at 99 North Second
street since 1872 since its formation by Emil Witz-
mann. Henry Witzmann and Ernest Stuber are the
principals.
'
AUTHORITY ON ORGANS.
i
George Ashdown Audsley, architect and authority
on organ building, died on Sunday June 21 at his
home in Bloomfield, N. J., aged 86. Mr. Audsley was
NEW INCORPORATIONS
;
IN MUSIC GOODS TRADE
VLADIMTR DE PACHMANN.
Baldwin. How can I thank you for your kindness in
forwarding to Italy and to England Baldwins for my
concerts and for my residences in these countries,: I
have asked for the Baldwin in England and in Italy
born in Elgin, Scotland, and spent the earlier years
at Liverpool, where he became an important influ-
ence in the architectural additions to that English
city. He came to New York City in 1892 and
among the many buildings designed by him for
American cities are the Bowling Green Building
on Broadway, the Church of .Stv Edward the Con-
fessor and the Joan of Arc School, both in Philadel-
phia, and the Art Gallery at Milwaukee. As a writer
on architecture, ceramics and organ building, Mr.
Audsley had to his credit twenty-seven books, of
which the most important was his monumental work
•Hi two volumes, "The Art of Organ-Building."
RETURNS TO MUSIC LINE.
New and Old Concerns Secure Charters in
Places.
i- v
• . 1 \
The Collinson, Clark & Krell Co.; ; £le.velartd ; , <£:\
to deal in musical goods; $5,000; E. j^ollinffoii? J}.
L. Clark, H. M. Krell, H. A. Krell-:aiidJX.'-M. Mrftelr.
The E. T. Barron Co., Superiot, W.fe.;. $5O,O0<>j -tp
deal in musical instruments; E. T. Karrori, Oftdlyji
Barron and Paul Lewis.
' "T* •
?•' * *
Charlie Davis Orchestra, Inc., Inyiifrapolrs^/l,^
shares no par valuer.musical- brpkeragej-'busioejs^ -"^rfd
deal in musical, instruments; director^, ' Charitfr':E.
Davis, Miriam Browne Davis, Lawrence- E.. Morris
and Thelrua Sailors Morris.
; ; :
• . ' ••."••••
Musical Observers Co., New York, nVusrcat pujilj-
cations; $10,000; C. Levy; W. S. Dryfqios, L B. Jie-
vine. Attorneys, Stroock & Stroock,Hl Broadway,
New York City.
'
'
v
• • I
The Central Piano Repair and Storage Co.,' 1-517
North Sixth street, Philadelphia, Pa.;-$5^000.
Brunswick Piano Co.; 200 common;, lto par; E ; F.
Adams, A. K. Bough, R. M. Clearwater. Attorney,
J. E. Murphy, 165 Broadway, New York City. . . j
PRAISE FOR ASSOCIATION,
:
f
:
Samuel J. Record, M. A. M. F., professor of forest
products, Yale University, praises the Mahogany ;As-
sociation. Inc., in its endeavor to maintain the place
of mahogany among woods. Prof. Record says there
are about 500 woods which have been entered as sub-
stitutes for mahogany, with poor results. He 'and his
department at Yale University are waging constant
warfare against these- substitutes, and he recognizes
the efforts of the -National Mahogany Association,
Inc., to procure for mahogany its proper place.
A new music goods department was recently an-
nounced by the B. Nugent & Bros. Dry Goods Co.,
St. Louis, Mo., to be in charge, of P. G. Spkz, for-
The Bensinger .Co.,V-3*^5. West Market street,
merly manager of the. music department pf J:. L.
Louisville, Ky., has. purchased- two. store buildings on
Brandeis & Sons, Omaha, Neb;: It has/been several
Third street and plans "to ujle'one as a Third street
years since the Nugent store,had ^a'-.nmsic department**- entrance and the olher.'asj^fe-ijrehouse.
Enhanced content © 2008-2009 and presented by MBSI - The Musical Box Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
All Rights Reserved. Digitized from the archives of the MBSI with support from NAMM - The International Music Products Association (www.namm.org).
Additional enhancement, optimization, and distribution by the International Arcade Museum. An extensive collection of Presto can be found online at http://www.arcade-museum.com/library/

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