Phonograph Monthly Review, Vol. 1, No. 3 (1926-12)

The Phonograph Monthly Review 105 **ai g—— " ■ ■■ " ■ .1 i ■■■■ — Although the use of a Foster motive by Gilbert is one of the most important for the incorporation of American Folk Songs in serious music, refer- ence should be made to the fact that Foerster made use of the song in his Dedication March. Other distinguished composers have made ideal- ized settings, as Carl Busch for string orchestra and Carl Engel for voices. Even Dvorak’s famous Humoresque seems to be derived from a variation of Foster’s on his own tune. There had been numerous variations on other Foster melodies, e.g. F. W. Williams’ Petite fantasie for the harp on “Louisiana Belle,” “Uncle Ned,” and “Susanna.” The “Covered Wagon” film has recently revived interest in Susanna. The recognition accorded Foster at the Sesqui- centennial Exposition was altogether fitting and indicative of a wholesome appreciation of the prominent place which Foster’s songs hold in the hearts of the American people. Not less interesting than the exhibition at Philadelphia was the ceremony arranged at Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Foster. Here the Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra played several of his songs and many of his descendants and relatives were present. Mrs. Marion Foster Welch, his daughter, aged 75, made a talk to the vast audience which was thoroughly enjoyed. His grand-daughters, Mrs. A. D. Rose and Mrs. F. A. Reed; Matthew F. Welch, a grandson: great grand children; Buchanan Ewing, Foster’s great nephew and nephew of President James Buchanan were among those present. Harvey Gaul, the well known Pittsburg organ- ist arranged a special musical service at Calvary Church. His interview with Mrs. Welch as told in Musical America, August 28, 1920 is a valuable document. T. Carl Whitmer in the Etude for February, 1914, gave a brief resume of Foster’s life. Permanent memorials to Foster are the Foster Homestead at Pittsburg which was bought by James H. Park and presented to the city in 1914; the “Old Kentucky Home” at Bardstown, Ky.; a monument at Frankfort, Ky., and the monu- ment by Moretti in Highland Park, Pittsburg which depicts Foster sitting with pencil and paper ready to jot down some melody, while be- low him Uncle Ned strums happily on his banjo. Recorded Works of Foster Gentle Annie . VICTOR 45169—Merle Alcock EDISON 80578—Apollo Quartet of Boston. COLUMBIA 67 M—Oscar Seagle, baritone. Camptotvn Races. EDISON 80395—Orpheus Quartet. 3ISV Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming. VICTOR 751—John McCormack (With Male Chorus). 16663—Peerless Quartet. 17364—Neapolitan Trio. EDISON 83078—Anna Case & Criterion Quartet. 80679—Losey’s Instrumental Quartet. BRUNSWICK 13073—Karle and Criterion Male Trio. COLUMBIA A-774—Columbia Male Quartet. Givine to Run All Night. COLUMBIA A-2015—Harry Brown with banjo and orchestra. Hard Times. VICTOR 679—Louise Homer. EDISON 80395— I Dream of Jeanie. VICTOR 45324—Lambert Murphy. Massa's in de Cold Cold Ground. EDISON 82157—Carolina Lazzan, contralto. 80630—Metropolitan Quartet. 50351—Fred Bacon, banjo. COLUMBIA A-1934—Tollefsen Trio. VICTOR 888—Efrem Zimbalist, violin with string orchestra. 17305—Marguerite Dunlap. 3 6218—Glenn-Shannon Quartet. 18519—Conway’s Band. My Old Kentucky Home. BRUNSWICK 13091—Tiffany Male Trio. VICTOR 6143—Alma Gluck (with male chorus). 88238—Geraldine Farrar, soprano. 38043—Elsie Baker, contralto. 36389—Harry MacDonough, tenor. 37756—Samuel Gardner, violin. 16160—Chimes. 18145—Victor Band. 18767—Ford Hanford, wood saw. COLUMBIA—A-2468—Paulist Choristers A-812—Columbia Male Quartet. Nelly Was a Lady. VICTOR 653—Alma Gluck. Oh, Boys, Carry Me 'Long. COLUMBIA A-2622 Harry C. Brown, baritone with banjo. VICTOR 679—Louise Homer. Oh Susanna. EDISON 80395—Orpheus Male Chorus. COLUMBIA A-2238—Harry C. Brown, baritone with banjo. Old Black Joe. BRUNSWICK 2384—Criterion Male Quartet. COLUMBIA A-2051—Columbia Stellar Quartet. A-1809—Tollefsen Trio. A-2468—Paulist Choristers. A-3750—Moore and Davis, handsaw anl harp- guitar. 503 2-M—Barbara Maurel, mezzo-soprano. EDISON 80729—Thomas Chalmers, baritone. 50351—Fred Bacon, banjo. 50292—Andre Benoist, piano. 80312—Christine Miller, contralto with chorus. 80727—Losey’s Instrumental Quartet. 80538—Criterion Quartet. VICTOR 6141—Alma Gluck (with male chorus). 6170 —Louise Homer. 45056—Christine Miller. 850 —Clarence Whitehill. 888 —Efrem Zimbalist (with string orch.). 16531—Peerless Quartet. 35097—Fisk University Jubilee Quartet. 17674—Felix Arndt. 16838—Chicago Glee Club. 18519—Conway’s Band.