The Edison phonograph monthly (Mar 1903-Feb 1904)

EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY. COMMENTS ON SEPTEMBER RECORDS. Twenty-five selections are again listed for September. This number will probably be issued each month. It is as many as the Jobbers and Dealers care to have put out monthly ; it is as many as we can fill orders for with our present factory facilities, and it is a list large enough to furnish variety for all tastes. The September list is unusually varied in character, and includes some new and novel things. It also introduces two new Record makers to our patrons. The newly arranged Edison Concert Band has two titles in the list and both show marked improvement over the work of the old band. This is not only because the band itself is better, but because those in charge of the Record-making department are constantly improving in their methods. The band selections are No. 8474, "Anona" (intermezzo), and No. 8489, "Bungaloo." "Anona" was written by Vivian Grey, the nom de plume of Miss Mabel McKinley, a niece of the late President. In commenting upon this composition, the Telegraph of May 10, 1903, said : "To 'Anona,' the intermezzo, nothing can be given but the highest praise. It is by that mysterious 'Vivian Grey.' The characterization of it is certainly novel and the motive is delightful. Without in any way comparing it with 'Hiawatha,' 'it may be said that it fully equals it in sweetness, tenderness and romance." As played by the Edison Concert Band it is an unsurpassed Record. "Bungaloo," the other band selection, is a Hindoo love song, and its music is of a novel character, at once suggestive of a foreign clime. The use of the cymbals is greater in this Record than ever before attempted but their tones are not so prominent as to be unpleasant. It is a well made Record. The Edison Symphony Orchestra has two more of its well-executed Records in the list, Nos. 8485 and 8492. The first is "The Scarecrow Dance," and its music is characteristic of its title. It is written by Justus Ringelben. No. 8492 is "The Star Dreamer," an Oriental serenade, composed by Theodore Bendix. The Records made by the Edison Brass Quartette have become so popular that a monthly list would be incomplete without one. That for September is No. 8481, "Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming," and it is finely rendered. This is one of those old airs whose charm never grows less. Eugene Jaudas and Louis Atz in No. 8495, "Mountain Echoes," contribute another of their delightful violin and flute duets. The music is Alpine in character and very sweet. The instrumental solos are fully up to the reputation of their several makers. J. Frank Hopkins, in No. 8476, "Hot Scotch March," has a xylophone solo, with orchestra accompainment, that has a good swing. It is made with the clever execution usual to Mr. Hopkins' work. Bohumir Kryl, our cornet soloist, plays in No. 8482, "National Fantasia," one of his own compositions. It is as cleverly written as it is played. The triple tone variations of "Yankee Doodle" are especially good. James C. McAuliffe, in No. 8487, "The Minstrel Boy," makes the first bagpipe solo for some time. This one will suit those fond of bagpipe music. William Tuson's rendition of the ballet music from " Mathias Sandorph" as a clarinet solo, in No. 8490, is musicianly, and makes a fine Record. Its runs are excellent and the entire Record is free from blasting or unpleasant noises. Vess L. Ossman's banjo contribution is No. 8493, "Dreamy Eyes," written by the composer of "Creole Belles." Mr. Ossman's banjo work is always of the highest class and this new selection is up to his standarcj. The vocal selections on the September list could hardly be better. Each is as good a piece of Record making as the experience of years can make it. There are two quartettes on the list. The Edison Male Quartette sings "The Chapel," No. 8479, a composition written in a low key, the bass parts predominating. It is somewhat religious in character. The Mendelssohn Mixed Quartette, in No. 8496, gives a very artistic rendition of John Howard Payne's famous song, "Home, Sweet Home." The Record cannot fail to please those who admire the work of a quartette of male and female voices. It will be appropriate fpr a concluding number in a home entertainment. The duets are four in number, two humorous and two sentimental in character. Collins and Harlan, in No. 8475, sing a comic parody on "Hiawatha," which cannot fail to be a good seller. The duet work of these singers can hardly be improved. Harlan and Stanley, in No. 8484, "Two Rubes in an Eating House," add another to this entertaining Rube series. The situation is extremely ludicrous and the dialogue witty and characteristic. The scene closes uproariously with the two rubes singing the old coon song, "Shine On." "You two Rubes are all right," is the congratulatory comment of the other guests. Harlan and Stanley's sentimental song, No. 8480, "When We Were Boys," is a lingering artd tuneful melody set to a very pretty story describing events (quoting the beginning of the refrain) "When we were boys together, down on the dear old farm." Entertainingly rendered and perfectly recorded — a fine Record. Miss Morgan and Mr. Stanley, whose contralto and bass duets have become such a feature of the Edison Records, sing "Though It Was Within This Hour We Met," from "Robin Hood." It is No. 8494. Lovers of operatic airs will surely want this Record. Solo Records are made by eight different artists, two of them being listed for the first time. The new men are Harry L. Tally and Walter -Wheatley, both well known singers in vaudeville. Mr. Tally sings "My Little Coney Isle," No. 8483. It is a waltz song after the style of "The .Good Old Summer Time." Mr. Tally has a good voice and makes an excellent Record. Mr. Wheatley's selection is No. 8497, "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes," an old but ever delightful English song. Mr. Wheatley's