Music Trade Review
Issue: 1904 Vol. 38 N. 24 - Page 43
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
In tKe World of Music Publishing
QUIET SPELL NOW ON
But Publishers Whose Business Purposes Are
Sound Are Doing Well and Are Confident
of Better Times Ahead Even This Summer
—Much Damage Has Been Done to Trade
by Unwise Credits on the Part of Printers
Enabling Unscrupulous Price Cutting and
Other Methods, Which Must Eventually
Bring Ruin to Those Concerned—Trade
Ethics Are at Low Ebb in Certain Quarters.
long before the march will be heard at every con-
cert, dance and parade this summer, and also be
taken up as a campaign march in the fall. The
Columbia Phonograph Co. were among the first
to recognize the merit of this composition, and
have set their stamp of approval thereon by at
once listing this among their novelties.
PARTEE CO.'S NEW HOME.
Handsome and Spacious Quarters Where Some
Publications of Note are Now Being Is-
sued.
With the run ot puDiishers cutting any figure
in the trade business is quiet. Perhaps the situ-
The new quarters of the C. L. Partee Music
ation has reached its present acute stage sooner Co., at 23 E. 20th street, New York, are admirably
than usual this year by reason of a stringency in located and fitted up. Mr. Partee has been work-
monetary matters, which is a pleasing way of ing like a Trojan getting things in shape, and he
saying not a few are closely pressed in a finan- is to be congratulated on his enterprise. The
cial way. Inducements to turn over good things company, which are doing a thriving business,
at a price in order to "raise the wind" are looked have a line of instruction books and instrumental
at askance by even the so-called plungers. The selections of the higher grade for all instruments.
devices to move goods have been various and in One of their best values is the "Universal Meth-
many instances futile. To be sure, firms with ods for the Violin, Mandolin, Guitar and Banjo,"
sound business methods, strong catalogues and in designed especially for beginners and class teach-
prime financial standing—there are a few—• ing. Another is "Pettine's New Style of Mando-
while not pretending to be doing business beyond lin Playing," both of which the trade should
what conditions warrant—are in a position, know more about. Among their instrumental
nevertheless, to await the regular swing, knowing successes are: "American Guild March," by My-
trade will come their way in due season, and in ron A. Bicksford; "American Valor March," by
profitable quantity.
Samuel Siegel; "Belle of the Highlands" (sword
The collapse of a leading and popular publish- dance), by J. J. Derwin; "Evangeline" (caprice)
ing house, while not really a surprise, has caused and "Enchanted Lute" (serenade), by C. E. Pom-
a feeling of uneasiness which was voiced in the eroy; "Flower of Mexico" (intermezzo), by
following remarks to The Review: "There are a Carlos Curti.
raft of people posing as publishers who are no
credit to the business; and were the printers to PUBLISHERS TO MEET IN AEOLIAN HALL.
withdraw credit a bunch of them would 'fold
On invitation of the Aeolian Co., the annual
their tents like the Arabs and silently slip away.'
In other words, the music printers are in great convention of the Music Publishers' Association
measure responsible for the present demoraliza- will hold its sessions in Aeolian Hall, Fifth ave-
tion in prices. These so-called publishers have nue and 34th street, New York. The courtesy of
nothing to lose by instituting a system of price- the beautiful recital hall, occupying the entire
cutting which is absolutely terrorizing to con- second floor, has been extended the association,
template were it to become permanent. But it and which was cordially accepted for June 14,
cannot last, and the gentlemen who have been 15 and 16. The session will open 10 a. m. Tues-
so busy cutting the ground from under the dealer day.
will suffer eventually.
JAMES W. JOHNSON HONORED.
"Publishers making a specialty of popular
music are the victims of many impositions by
At the commencement exercises of the Atlanta
professionals. For instance the leaders of or- (Ga.) University last week, James W. Johnson,
chestras and bands have no hesitancy in re- one of the collaborators of the successful songs,
questing orchestrations gratis, and I know houses "Under the Bamboo Tree," "The Congo Love
where this drain alone amounts to $5,000 yearly. Song," "Big Indian Chief" and incidentally a
Other leaks are familiar to everyone in the busi- member of the Alumni, 1894, of that well-known
ness, consequently concerns indulging in these institution, received an honorary degree of Mas-
weakening methods are in no position to push ter of Arts. This was conferred for his success-
their line in legitimate ways. Houses with an ful work as teacher, literateur and post-graduate
eye single to their own welfare cut off these ex- results at Columbia University, New York City.
penses close up behind the ears. None know this
The lyrics of Mr. Johnson are best known
so well as those who have watched the results. through his work with Cole & Johnson Bros., who
For the next three months business promises to have recently signed contracts whereby their
be,dull; in fact, always is during presidential
year. The theatres suffer, and the publishers fol-
low suit. There is nothing in campaign stuff,
POPULAR
and so we all rest on our oars."
works are to be produced exclusively by the well-
known theatrical managers, Klaw & Erlanger.
Their song interpolations in "A Little of Every-
thing," which had its premier Monday, on the
Aerial Roof Garden, include: "On Lalawana's
Shore," "Pretty Little Squaw from Utah," "Fish-
ing," "Como le Gusta" and others. The composi-
tions of these prolific writers will continue to be
published by Jos. W. Stern & Co.
AN ENGLISH FAD WORTH NOTING.
English music lovers are clamoring for oppor-
tunities to try over new music, and as the pub-
lishers are constantly complaining about the
scant interest in new music, they would do well
to supply this demand. The London Truth re-
lates that certain country music sellers found
half-hours of their valuable time wasted by young
ladies who turned over sheets of music (and
perhaps tried them over on a piano) only to pur-
chase a single song, the profit upon which was
but two or three pence, and, recognizing that
ladies justly desire an opportunity of trying over
a piece before they buy it, they resolved to make
a small charge for the accommodation they af-
forded.
One leading provincial music-dealer
makes a charge of a shilling an hour for the use
of his piano and music. The lady may in that
time try over as many songs and pianoforte
pieces as she likes, and if her purchases come to
a certain amount, the shilling an hour fee is
either reduced or entirely remitted.
SUMMER SONGS.
"There was a time, not so long ago, when the
heated term was considered a very dull season
in our line," said a music publisher. "Now it is
proving more important, all on account of the
public's taste for so-called summer songs. These
songs extol the virtues of local seaside resorts
and topics germane. The fashion was set about
three years ago, when 'On a Sunday Afternoon'
and 'In the Good Old Summer Time' appeared.
Formerly publishers and writers did not care to
have their songs introduced in time for a sum-
mer hearing, fearing that by the arrival of the
regular theatrical season their songs would be
looked upon as stale and out of date. Now,
however, a summer indorsement is considered
essential to its future popularity.
"The change in the public taste is no doubt
due to the fact that vaudeville is enjoying great
prosperity just now. Folks who go out of town
to spend their vacations during the summer
like to be entertained by hearing all the songs
on the popular order. Booming songs is a
harder task now because all the old and tried
methods, such as moving pictures, stereopticon
views and boy in the gallery have lost their
efficacy.
Follow the Crowd on a
ROSEY'S LATEST MARCH.
The announcement of a march from the pen of
George Rosey is said to be hailed at all times with
delight by every orchestra and band leader of
importance, who know him through his tuneful
"Honeymoon," "Handicap," "Scorcher" and "Pet
of the Army" marches, his "Espanita," "Lady
Love" and "La Spanola" waltzes and his "Ori-
ental Echoes" and "Rainbow" dance, all of which
have brought him international fame, and were
the means of placing his name among the fore-
most march composers.
His latest effort, "Fall in Line," possesses the
spirited first part that at once stamps it as a
success, contains an entrancing trio and a drum
solo, and the publishers believe it will not be
RUMMER
OONGS..
ORDER
AT
SianHsm
*9mMmM%M*my
By GERARO
'
MORRISON A ARMSTRONG.
Down on the
Merry- Go - Round
By HAL KENT A LYN UDALL, Composer* of "Just
One Girl," and "Just am the Sun."
Kate Kearney
ONCE
By FAY A OLIVER, writers of "Goodnight,
Beloved,
Goodnight.''
Mm Witmark&
Sons
NEW YORK
CHICAGO
LONDON
ILLUMINATED TITLE PAGES FREE
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE IN QUANTITIES
Do you Handle " WITMARK" PUBLIC A TIONS 7
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
In tKe World of Music Publishing
QUIET SPELL NOW ON
But Publishers Whose Business Purposes Are
Sound Are Doing Well and Are Confident
of Better Times Ahead Even This Summer
—Much Damage Has Been Done to Trade
by Unwise Credits on the Part of Printers
Enabling Unscrupulous Price Cutting and
Other Methods, Which Must Eventually
Bring Ruin to Those Concerned—Trade
Ethics Are at Low Ebb in Certain Quarters.
long before the march will be heard at every con-
cert, dance and parade this summer, and also be
taken up as a campaign march in the fall. The
Columbia Phonograph Co. were among the first
to recognize the merit of this composition, and
have set their stamp of approval thereon by at
once listing this among their novelties.
PARTEE CO.'S NEW HOME.
Handsome and Spacious Quarters Where Some
Publications of Note are Now Being Is-
sued.
With the run ot puDiishers cutting any figure
in the trade business is quiet. Perhaps the situ-
The new quarters of the C. L. Partee Music
ation has reached its present acute stage sooner Co., at 23 E. 20th street, New York, are admirably
than usual this year by reason of a stringency in located and fitted up. Mr. Partee has been work-
monetary matters, which is a pleasing way of ing like a Trojan getting things in shape, and he
saying not a few are closely pressed in a finan- is to be congratulated on his enterprise. The
cial way. Inducements to turn over good things company, which are doing a thriving business,
at a price in order to "raise the wind" are looked have a line of instruction books and instrumental
at askance by even the so-called plungers. The selections of the higher grade for all instruments.
devices to move goods have been various and in One of their best values is the "Universal Meth-
many instances futile. To be sure, firms with ods for the Violin, Mandolin, Guitar and Banjo,"
sound business methods, strong catalogues and in designed especially for beginners and class teach-
prime financial standing—there are a few—• ing. Another is "Pettine's New Style of Mando-
while not pretending to be doing business beyond lin Playing," both of which the trade should
what conditions warrant—are in a position, know more about. Among their instrumental
nevertheless, to await the regular swing, knowing successes are: "American Guild March," by My-
trade will come their way in due season, and in ron A. Bicksford; "American Valor March," by
profitable quantity.
Samuel Siegel; "Belle of the Highlands" (sword
The collapse of a leading and popular publish- dance), by J. J. Derwin; "Evangeline" (caprice)
ing house, while not really a surprise, has caused and "Enchanted Lute" (serenade), by C. E. Pom-
a feeling of uneasiness which was voiced in the eroy; "Flower of Mexico" (intermezzo), by
following remarks to The Review: "There are a Carlos Curti.
raft of people posing as publishers who are no
credit to the business; and were the printers to PUBLISHERS TO MEET IN AEOLIAN HALL.
withdraw credit a bunch of them would 'fold
On invitation of the Aeolian Co., the annual
their tents like the Arabs and silently slip away.'
In other words, the music printers are in great convention of the Music Publishers' Association
measure responsible for the present demoraliza- will hold its sessions in Aeolian Hall, Fifth ave-
tion in prices. These so-called publishers have nue and 34th street, New York. The courtesy of
nothing to lose by instituting a system of price- the beautiful recital hall, occupying the entire
cutting which is absolutely terrorizing to con- second floor, has been extended the association,
template were it to become permanent. But it and which was cordially accepted for June 14,
cannot last, and the gentlemen who have been 15 and 16. The session will open 10 a. m. Tues-
so busy cutting the ground from under the dealer day.
will suffer eventually.
JAMES W. JOHNSON HONORED.
"Publishers making a specialty of popular
music are the victims of many impositions by
At the commencement exercises of the Atlanta
professionals. For instance the leaders of or- (Ga.) University last week, James W. Johnson,
chestras and bands have no hesitancy in re- one of the collaborators of the successful songs,
questing orchestrations gratis, and I know houses "Under the Bamboo Tree," "The Congo Love
where this drain alone amounts to $5,000 yearly. Song," "Big Indian Chief" and incidentally a
Other leaks are familiar to everyone in the busi- member of the Alumni, 1894, of that well-known
ness, consequently concerns indulging in these institution, received an honorary degree of Mas-
weakening methods are in no position to push ter of Arts. This was conferred for his success-
their line in legitimate ways. Houses with an ful work as teacher, literateur and post-graduate
eye single to their own welfare cut off these ex- results at Columbia University, New York City.
penses close up behind the ears. None know this
The lyrics of Mr. Johnson are best known
so well as those who have watched the results. through his work with Cole & Johnson Bros., who
For the next three months business promises to have recently signed contracts whereby their
be,dull; in fact, always is during presidential
year. The theatres suffer, and the publishers fol-
low suit. There is nothing in campaign stuff,
POPULAR
and so we all rest on our oars."
works are to be produced exclusively by the well-
known theatrical managers, Klaw & Erlanger.
Their song interpolations in "A Little of Every-
thing," which had its premier Monday, on the
Aerial Roof Garden, include: "On Lalawana's
Shore," "Pretty Little Squaw from Utah," "Fish-
ing," "Como le Gusta" and others. The composi-
tions of these prolific writers will continue to be
published by Jos. W. Stern & Co.
AN ENGLISH FAD WORTH NOTING.
English music lovers are clamoring for oppor-
tunities to try over new music, and as the pub-
lishers are constantly complaining about the
scant interest in new music, they would do well
to supply this demand. The London Truth re-
lates that certain country music sellers found
half-hours of their valuable time wasted by young
ladies who turned over sheets of music (and
perhaps tried them over on a piano) only to pur-
chase a single song, the profit upon which was
but two or three pence, and, recognizing that
ladies justly desire an opportunity of trying over
a piece before they buy it, they resolved to make
a small charge for the accommodation they af-
forded.
One leading provincial music-dealer
makes a charge of a shilling an hour for the use
of his piano and music. The lady may in that
time try over as many songs and pianoforte
pieces as she likes, and if her purchases come to
a certain amount, the shilling an hour fee is
either reduced or entirely remitted.
SUMMER SONGS.
"There was a time, not so long ago, when the
heated term was considered a very dull season
in our line," said a music publisher. "Now it is
proving more important, all on account of the
public's taste for so-called summer songs. These
songs extol the virtues of local seaside resorts
and topics germane. The fashion was set about
three years ago, when 'On a Sunday Afternoon'
and 'In the Good Old Summer Time' appeared.
Formerly publishers and writers did not care to
have their songs introduced in time for a sum-
mer hearing, fearing that by the arrival of the
regular theatrical season their songs would be
looked upon as stale and out of date. Now,
however, a summer indorsement is considered
essential to its future popularity.
"The change in the public taste is no doubt
due to the fact that vaudeville is enjoying great
prosperity just now. Folks who go out of town
to spend their vacations during the summer
like to be entertained by hearing all the songs
on the popular order. Booming songs is a
harder task now because all the old and tried
methods, such as moving pictures, stereopticon
views and boy in the gallery have lost their
efficacy.
Follow the Crowd on a
ROSEY'S LATEST MARCH.
The announcement of a march from the pen of
George Rosey is said to be hailed at all times with
delight by every orchestra and band leader of
importance, who know him through his tuneful
"Honeymoon," "Handicap," "Scorcher" and "Pet
of the Army" marches, his "Espanita," "Lady
Love" and "La Spanola" waltzes and his "Ori-
ental Echoes" and "Rainbow" dance, all of which
have brought him international fame, and were
the means of placing his name among the fore-
most march composers.
His latest effort, "Fall in Line," possesses the
spirited first part that at once stamps it as a
success, contains an entrancing trio and a drum
solo, and the publishers believe it will not be
RUMMER
OONGS..
ORDER
AT
SianHsm
*9mMmM%M*my
By GERARO
'
MORRISON A ARMSTRONG.
Down on the
Merry- Go - Round
By HAL KENT A LYN UDALL, Composer* of "Just
One Girl," and "Just am the Sun."
Kate Kearney
ONCE
By FAY A OLIVER, writers of "Goodnight,
Beloved,
Goodnight.''
Mm Witmark&
Sons
NEW YORK
CHICAGO
LONDON
ILLUMINATED TITLE PAGES FREE
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE IN QUANTITIES
Do you Handle " WITMARK" PUBLIC A TIONS 7
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