Phonograph Monthly Review, Vol. 2, No. 10 (1928-07)

c MUSIC LOVERS’ PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY REVIEW AXEL B. J0HX[S07<1, Managing Editor Published by THE PHONOGRAPH PUBLISHING CO., Inc. General Offices and Studio: 47 Hampstead Road, Jamaica Plain, Boston, Mass. Telephone Jamaica 5054 : Cable Address: “Phono” THE PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY REVIEW appears on the twenty-eighth of each month. All material is fully protected by copy- right and may be reproduced only by permission. Yearly subscription price $4.00 in the United States and $5.00 in Canada and other foreign countries, postage prepaid. Single copies 35 cents. All communications should be addressed to the Managing Editor at the Studio, 47 Hampstead Road, Jamaica Plain, Boston, Mass. All unsolicited contributions must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. All checks and money orders should be made out to THE PHONO- GRAPH PUBLISHING CO., Inc. 3n Jfflemoriam Slants lEhwarh SUdjarhsott record with deep regret the passing of James E. Richardson, who died at Camden, New Jersey, A jtl on May 12th. Mr. Richardson’s death ended a period of ten years of extraordinary service to the ■ Victor Talking Machine Company, and removed from the world of reproduced music a keen and constructive intellect, a never-failing source of priceless information and knowledge, and a man whom the millions who enjoy the talking machine owe much. Though his name was known to comparatively few, Mr. Richardson’s influence, exerted through the Victor monthly supplement catalog, was extraordinary wide. His comments upon music through this periodical, which reached millions of readers every year, became to many a guide to musical appreciation and a powerful force in forming musical taste. The present-day “phonograph movement” found in him a ready and willing sup- porter, and a contributor of thoughtful and helpful ideas. Music was his great interest in life, and nothing that lay within his powers to further its cause wasever left undone. It was characteristic of Mr. Richardson, and evidence of the amazingly versatile mind that was his, to distinguish himself not only in the musical but in a literary field as well. For years he has contributed verse to several of the foremost literary magazines, and published a charming volume of poetry some years ago under the title “The Summer Garden.” This book was probably the only one ever published in which the author actually composed his writings on the printer’s stone, setting his verse in type, by hand, without previously having written one word on paper. Moreover, Mr. Richardson then printed approximately one hundred copies of the book with his own hands. His knowledge of typography and his skill as a letterer were amazing. Yet, his characteristic modesty revealed itself in his use of a nom de plume, which he never abandoned. The revision and preparation of the more recent editions of “The Victrola Book of the Opera” were the work of his hand. But recently, in collaboration with a world-famous instructor, he prepared a text-book for teachers and students of the ballet, to be used in connection with a series of exercises recorded with music and instruction for the dance. Even more remarkable was the fact that until a few years ago Mr. Richard- son had never made a study of the ballet, yet before his death more than one master was glad to have the benefit of his counsel. The removal of so gifted and valued an employee cannot but be a loss to the Victor Talking Machine Company, and the circle of friends whom Mr. Richardson drew about him shall feel his absence very deeply indeed. He was regarded with respect by all with whom he came in contact, and with affection and ad- miration by more friends than he ever knew were his. The warmth and spontaneity of his own feelings usu- ally, and quite without his knowledge, engendered similar feelings in those upon whom he brought his ex- traordinary personality to bear. The news of his sudden death consequently brought to his bier a gathering of friends from all walks of life, united in a common grief at the passing of one who bore the unmistakable marks of true genius, of true nobility and worth. —Charles O’Connell. See last page for Table of Contents Copyright, 1928, by the Phonograph Publishing Company , Inc.