Radio revue (Dec 1929-Mar 1930)

JANUARY, 19 3 0 15 Ten minutes later they occupy important places in a full radio symphony orchestra, or take part in a grand opera or light opera presentation. Perhaps they are heard as unknown soloists in a straight concert program, but more frequently appear as featured artists, playing concertos from the pen of master composers. Put Radio Stations to Bed But they all prefer the "Slumber Hour." With this they "put to bed" a long list of radio stations associated with NBC — by playing their own favorite selections. Very often their programs are made up entirely of selections specifically requested by the radio audience. According to Director Laurier, Rubinstein's "Kammennoi Ostrow" is the most frequently requested number. Two Schubert favorites are next, he says, the "Ave Maria" and "Serenade." It must be understood, however, that their programs are made up in advance; as much as four and five weeks before the actual date of broadcasting. Then, too, they must avoid all danger of monotony from too-frequent repetition of the greatest favorites, so this explains the apparent failure to grant some requests. All letters from the Slumber Hour audiences are carefully studied as representing a cross-section of the most highly-cultured and discriminating listeners. These are the sort of people attracted by such music, and their express wishes are granted as soon and as often as possible. Some of the letters received by Director Laurier and Announcer Milton Cross (who frequently sings the "Slumber Song" at the beginning and end) are highly interesting. One of the biggest Chicago hotels reports that it would lose some of its important patrons if it failed to receive the "Slumber Music." This hotel emphasizes a home-like, friendly atmosphere, and provides a cozy nook with comfortable chairs and dim lights for the nightly gathering of regular guests who never miss the late-hour broadcast before retiring to their rooms. Changes Lady's Schedule A certain lady in Philadelphia, now advanced in years, writes that, since hearing the "Slumber Hour," she has given up her long-established practice of retiring early, but has to make up for it by taking a nap earlier in the evening. She says this enables her to stay up long enough to hear the entire program without upsetting the schedule of rest required by her health. A minister stationed in the backwoods of Canada says that now he, too, remains awake longer than had been his wont just to hear the "Slumber Music," but that he makes up for it by sleeping-in one hour later the next morning. Many letters received are in the nature of goodhumored complaints about the broadcast "keeping them up too late," and many others seriously request some measure which would bring the program to them at an earlier hour. One message from Pittsburgh was signed by eighteen different people, who described themselves as students, complimenting the NBC on the high musical quality of this hour and suggesting certain selections to be included in future broadcasts. Every one of the numbers listed reflected a highly-cultured musical taste, and indicated an unusual degree of discrimination on the part of the authors of the joint communication. Meanwhile, Ludwig Laurier spends hours each day wandering among the shelves of the NBC's great music library, picking out the world's greatest classics for presentation by his competent group. Then another hour of intensive rehearsal on that night's program, which was made up weeks before, and the "Slumber Hour" is ready for the air. It is significant to note that the theme melody of this program, "Slumber On," heard at the opening and closing of each broadcast, is the creation of two men identified with radio programs from the earliest days of WJZ. They are Keith McLeod and Walter Preston. McLeod is now musical supervisor of the NBC, and Preston is a baritone soloist featured on many NBC programs. MOONLIGHT SONATA (Inspired by Robert Brai Solo on the "Slumber Hour") By ALICE REMSEN A White Witch is dancing on the water, A witch with silver arms; Spray is dripping from her moon-drenched fingers. O, White Witch, cast your spell upon me; Bewilder my senses with your beauty Before the dawn breaks my enchantment. Kiss me, O White Witch; Shower me with silver diamonds from your hair; Lead me up the shimmering path that burnishes the water Lend wings to my feet, That I may catch the fringe of your ecstasy Before it passes beyond my reach.