The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1909)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 41 REVIEW OF DECEMBER RECORDS. Issued by the Victor, National, Columbia and Universal Companies The new Victor list for January contains a number of magnificent Red Seal selections which are destined unquestionably to add to the artistic value of the talking machine. These include the great "Aida" duet in two se'ections by Gadski and Caruso (89028-89029). These great artists are heard at their very best in these wonderful examples of Verdi's skill as a composer. Antonio Scotti, baritone, is represented by "Dio Possente" from "Faust" (88203). Scotti's "Valentine" is always a delight both vocally and dramatically, and this record presents him at his best. The latest and perhaps one of the most important acquisitions to the Red Seal galaxy is Nicola Zerola, the new tenor of the Manhattan Opera House, who is represented by two numbers, "The Barcarolle" ( 87036) , and "La Rivedra NeJJ Ettasi" (87037) from "Ballo in Maschera," and "Morte cV Otello" (88202) from "Otello." The list contains three new records by Gerville Reache, the famous contralto, "The Slavonic Song" by Chaminade and the "Card Song" from Carmen (87035-87039), and a selection from "The Queen of Sheba" (88205). Evan Williams, the favorite tenor, is repressnted by an English song "Absent" by Metcalf (64109). Liszt and SaintSaens are featured ty Louise Homer, contralto, in the "The Loreley" in German, and "Love Lend Me Thy Might" from "Samson and Delilah" (88204 88201). In the instrumental list two records by the Vienna Quartet ai« of special excellence— the favorite "Barcarolle" from "Comtes de Hoffman" (5754) and "Poeme Erotique" by Grieg (31700). Other instrumentaJs are the ballet music from "Faust" (58020) played by the Symphony Orchestra of Paiis and a "Vision from Salome" (52023) by the Bohemian Orchestra of London. Two numbers from Pryor's Band which should interest are the "Festival Overture," Tschaikowsky (31759) and the Washington Gray's March" (5755). In the light operatic line there are potpourris sung by the Victor Light Opera Co. from "The Bohemian Girl," (31761) and "The Golden Girl" (31758). Reed Miller, the well known concert tenor, who has a big following in this country, is represented by "Roses in June," a charming song by Edward German (5753). The double faced record list for January contains many excellent numbers for orchestra and various special instruments. The list which appears elsewhere is worthy the close 'study of dealers. Taken as a whole it is an unusually strong one. « * * • A feature of the Columbia Phonograph Co.'s record list for December is ten records by John McCormick, the famous Irish tenor, who has scored such a great success at the Manhattan Opera House, who is represented by a number of well-known Irish and English ballads, as well as selections from Mascagni and Puccini. These are Fonotipia double-disc records running from F-117 to F-121. Two other Fonotipia double-discs are those made by Ferruccio Corradetti (baritone), and Francisco Vignas (tenor). The firstnamed sings "II balen" from "II Trovatore" and Reyer's "Ave Maria" (F-122) and Walter's song from Wagner's "The Meistersinger," and "O Paradiso," Meyerbeer (F-123). The Columbia 12-inch double-disc list includes selections from "Tannhauser" (Wagner), parts one and two, by Prince's Military Band (A5139); "Tyrolean Echoes," a trio for violin, flute and harp, and "Idilio," Lack (A5140). Two Christmas numbers which should have a wide popularity are to be found in the 12-inch Symphony double-disc list: "Nazareth" (Gounod), and "The Birthday of the King," by Neidlinger, both sung by Kirk Towns, baritone, with splendid effect. In the 10inch double-disc list are also to be found a mimhcr of fayorites embracing many woll-known vocal and instrumental numbers which are in great favor these' vdays. The double-disc list as a whole is up to the Columbia standard. In the Columbia Indestructible cylinder column twentyfour new numbers are listed, and represent many standard vocal numbers which will ever prove popular, like "The Last Rose of Summer," Mrs. Wheeler (1239); "Annie Laurie," quartet (1255); "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms," Mrs. Wheeler (1256). The list is well balanced between standard, popular and minstrel, or rag-time numbers. Nine special four-minute numbers have been added to the Columbia Indestructible list for January, two notable ones being the prologue from "Pagliacci" (3021) , and selections from "Madame Butterfly" (3022) . The National Phonograph Co. have started the New Year with an interesting budget of records. Their Amberol list for January contains three records in Italian: "Solenne in Guest Ora," La Forza del Destino (5002), by Francesco Daddi and Vincenzo Resthigllan; "Chibiribin" (5010), by Maria Avezza and Francesco Daddi; "Alia Stella Confidante" (5014), by Francesco Daddi. This well-known opera singer and his associates have produced three excellent numbers which are destined to have a wide popularity. Another vocal number which should prove a favorite, in view of the renaissance now so evident in light opera in this city, is the "Gobb'.e Duet" from "The Mascot" (332), by Elizabeth Wheeler and Harry Anthony. The same singers are heard in "The Ring o' Rose3" from "The Dollar Princess" (328). "Lead Kindly Light" (341), by the Knickerbocker Quintet, affords an excellent record of this immortal sacred hymn by Cardinal Newman. Other Amberol records worthy of special commendation are Godafd's "Berceuse" (339), played delightfully as a 'cello solo by Jean Schwiller; "The Monte Cristo Waltz" (333), played with rare abandon and finish by .loida-Rocabruna Instrumental Quintet of Mexico. Victor Herbert's Orchestra is heard in the ballet music from "Mile. Modiste" (330), which expresses the composer-conductor's idea of how this number should be played. Sousa's Band is represented in the "Washington Post" and "High School Cadets" marches (325), and the United States Marine Band have made a very excellent record in Wagner's "Maria Theresa March" (344). in the Standard record list there is also an excellent variety. The instrumental numbers which should meet with immediate consideration are a series of three numbers under the caption of "The Summer Girl" (10277), by Sousa's Band; "The Oriental March" (10280), by Victor Herbert and his orchestra; the " Kaiser Frederick March" (10296), by the United States Marine Band, and "Territorial March" (10288), by the National (London) Military Band. Mabel McKinley is in evidence with one of those ever delightful "mammy" songs entitled "My Li'l Sweet Sunbeam" (10289). Space forbids only a reference to some of the forty-five records listed, which include a medley of Irish reels as an accordeon solo (10284), by John Kimble, and two Edison Amberol records in Hebrew, made by Regina Prager (10000-10001). * * * * The list of zonophone double record discs for January, issued by the Universal Talking Machine Mfg. Co., contains four instrumentals — that is eight records in all — among which are Herbert's famous "Algeria" march (5574) and Linck's polka, "Take Me Along" (5576). In the vocal list there is a strong representation of the popular favorites of the day, including Herbert's "Rose of the World" from "Algeria" (55S2), a Christmas double "Holy Night" and "f Look to Jesus" (5587). The latter is a duet by Stanley and Burr. Two old favorites are "Mary of Argyle" and "Gentle Annie" (5583), which always have followers, and two character sketches by Ada Jones and Len Spencer — "Queen of the Ranch" and "A Rag Time Tragedy" (5584). The list, which appears elsewhere in full, is worthy of consideration. BALTIMORE TRADE GLEANINGS. High Priced Machines Have the Call — This Is True of the Hornkss Machines of All the Leading Makers — Expect a Good Holiday Trade — Other Items of Interest. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Baltimore, Md., Dec. 6, 1909. High priced machines and recoras of every description have taken Baltimoreans by storm in recent months. Their increased popularity is shown by the reports of the dealers, all of whom declare that there has been quite a boom in the trade. In fact, the statements of the tradesmen are to the effect that the holiday business this year will surpass that of several years past. Already the buyers have made their purchases, while there are any number who have signified their intention of selecting one or the other makes or talking machines as presents for friends. Manager M. Silverstein, of the local branch of the Columbia Phonograph Co.. declaims that business has been remarkably brisk for this particular season of the year. He has a number of the high priced. Columbia machines — the Grafqnola De Luxe, Grafonola Regent and the Grafonola Elite in stock, and these have attracted the Attention of prospective buyers more than the lower priced machines, although Mr. Silverstein reports a good sale of the cheaper instruments. The Grafonola Elite machine has proved especially popular, and the local manager expects them to make a creditable showing during the holiday sales. Operatic records have kept the Columbia force busy. This is due to the fact that Baltimore for the first time in many years has been favored by the inauguration of a season ot grand opera. Those who attend the performances become so enthused with the musical productions that they take advantage of the first opportunity to buy records of the opeiatic sections they have heard. The Victor ana Edison dealers also report big demands for these high priced records. Manager larottendick, of E. F. Droop Sons Co., states that the business for the month has been encouraging Loth with the Victors and Edisons. It has shown such an improvement in fact that the store has started to keep open at nights until after the holidays earlier than in former years. Otherdealers, also, have started in with the holiday night work. The Victrolas are in great demand. . Manager Albert Bowden, of Sanders & Stayman's talking machine department, gives similar encouraging trade reports concerning Victor and Columbia machines and records. The firm have just received an allotment of the Grafonola instruments, which have proved to he big attractions. Cohen & Hughes report a good trade for the month in connection with the sale of Victor machines and records. HOW EVAN WILLIAMS GOT A JOB. An interesting incident that shows the immense influence of the Victor is told by Evan Williams in his characteristic manner, as follows: "While passing through a corridor in the Waldorf-Astoria, a man stopped me and asked if 1 was Evan Williams. He was the president of the Cincinnati Musical Festival, and he told me he was in search of a tenor. He brought Mr. Krehbiel, the musical critic of the Tribune, with him, and I sang 'Sound an Alarm' for them. On Sunday I went to Cincinnati, sang, and landed the festival." Now follows the interesting part, which explains why they started after Evan Williams. He had been abroad to get a tenor, but returned without finding one. On his return, his son-inlaw said, "Father, I have a tenor for the Festival— best in the world. His name is Evan Williams; come over and hear him." While abroad his son-in-law had bought a Victor and found for the Cincinnati Musical Festival the tenor they sought — The ypice of the Victor.