The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1913)

T1IH TALKING MACHINE WORLD. The Artistic Development of the Talking Machine. WITH every year the artistic development of the talking machine becomes more apparent, and its mission as an uplifting factor in the musical world is being recognized in an impressive way. It is noticeable that lecturers on musical subjects throughout the country are paying tribute, in a very enthusiastic way, to the influence of the talking machine as a stimulator of musical appreciation. If one were to have predicted ten years ago that the talking machine would have assumed its present artistic status he would be laughed at, for only the most optimistic and enthusiastic believers in the talking machine at that time deemed it would be anything more than a very satisfying musical toy. The comparatively few, who had faith, however, must be gratified at the wonderful work being accomplished by the talking machine in inculcating a love of the best in music. To-day the most celebrated artists in the instrumental and vocal worlds deem it an honor to have their especial talents permanently recorded for the benefit and enjoyment of humankind. These artists are most particular, too, that the records of their voices, and of their playing, shall be absolutely perfect, and it is safe to say that many of our most noted singers are heard to greater advantage through the talking machine than in the opera house or concert hall. Some noted artists who consider it a reflection on their prestige if asked to attend opera rehearsals are not averse to make several "masters" so that a perfect record of their singing may be secured. This in itself demonstrates how these artists value the talking machine as a means of bringing their voices and especial talents into the home. Indeed, some of the most enthusiastic admirers of the talking machine are distinguished musicians. One of them recently said that he "learns something every time he plays a record." If it helps a teacher of the eminence of the man referred to — and he is an international figure — what a wonderful influence it must have on those young people who have scarcely ever heard a good song well sung, and who have little idea what a good orchestral organization sounds like, or the playing of a great pianist, violinist or 'cellist? To these people the talking machine is an educator, whose value is not always fully estimated. For the latent love for music must be stimulated in the home by some degree of knowledge of the works of the great masters, and this is made possible through the talking machine. We venture to say that no other influence to-day is doing more to develop musical taste in this country than the talking machine, and we say this with a full appreciation of the wonderful work that is being done by our great orchestral organizations, musical clubs, singing societies and other musical artists that are bringing music to the people. It is true there are still some critics who are fond of speaking, of "canned music" and its "debasing influence," but it is notable that the people who buy talking machines, no matter what their THE announcement is made elsewhere in this publication that the American Graphophone Co. has voluntarily increased the rate of compensation of its employes eight per cent., and that half-holiday Saturday would in future be in order. It was, of course, welcome news for the employes of this big talking machine company. Such an announcement emphasizes a desire on the part of the directors of this institution to share profits with employes. The American Graphophone Co. has enjoyed an unusually heavy demand for its products in various sections of the country, and by taking this course and granting an advance in pay and a reduction of working hours a broad and generous spirit is shown, and if such a plan were followed generally it unquestionablywould do away with many of the labor troubles which seriously interfere with the systematic movement of trade. President Edward D. Easton and his associates have given the most gratifying kind of news to their employes, and without question it will mean a hearty co-operation on the part of the initial musical preferences may be, in a very short time buy the records of well-known singers who are heard in high-class musical numbers, and these records form a permanent library for then benefit and instruction. It must be remembered that a love for music comes only through familiarity with the music itself, and herein the mission of the talking machine has been most effective. It not only pleases and entertains, but it enables those who hear music through this medium to comprehend it and so grow into a liking for it that is productive of results in an educational way that is truly remarkable. It is not difficult to ascertain how powerful is the influence of the talking machine in the home. To-day, millions of people who never attended an opera, or heard great artists in concert or recital, discuss, with interest and intelligence, the singing, style and phrasing of the famous artists of the world. Their relationship with these singers is as intimate, thanks to the talking machine, as if they heard them in the concert hall or in the opera, house. This is a wonderful achievement — so great, in fact, that we wonder it has not received even a greater recognition than it has. When the historian of American musical development gets busy in years to come he must record that no one factor has been so influential in stimulating a knowledge of and a love for music in this country as the talking machine. It is the talking machine that has encouraged the desire among people in the smaller cities and towns for the hearing of operas and concerts. It has so developed their tastes that they want to hear in person those artists with whom they have become so pleasingly acquainted through the medium of the talking machine. The directors of the opera companies should really pay a bonus to the talking machine manufacturers for the wonderful work they are doing in educating the American people to a greater appreciation of opera and the singing of the great artists who are under contract with them. Of course the influence of the talking machine would be absolutely nil had not its manufacture been so improved and perfected that one is enabled to hear a reproduction of music that is satisfying. In recording especially innumerable minor details have been given such attention that to-day one is enabled to hear some wonderful "photographs" of the voices of the great artists and orchestral organizations of the world. While the talking machine has been steadily improved, yet it is bound to attain a still greater height in the artistic field, and all over the world many minds are working with the result that within a few years more it is not improbable the talking machine will have reached a new apex as a musical and artistic factor in the community. Columbia working forces, because the men must show their appreciation of such substantial recognition on the part of their employers. In discussing this matter with The World President Easton remarked that the growth of the Columbia business during the past twelve months had been surprising, and that he felt that this act would show an appreciation of these conditions and would develop a close relationship between the business and factory workers. Last year the percentage of the increase in Columbia business was very large, and the first four months of the present year indicate a steady growth, and April scored the best record of any month of April during the existence of the business. The increase is particularly noticeable in the higher-priced Columbia products, and with the splendid campaign of live, virile publicity which the Columbia Co. is effectively carrying on it is but fair to assume that the business will be materially augmented as the year advances.