For this purpose the metropolitan theatres maintain enormous libraries, some of them containing 25,000 pieces of music. These are all catalogued, not only by titles and authors, but also by the type of emotion or kind of action which they suggest. In the same way he may instantly put his hands on music which suggests the sound of an aeroplane, anger, a runaway horse, a canoe drifting down a quiet stream. A staff of trained librarians is required to keep this stock of music constantly replenished with fresh works. The larger musical publishing houses have a standing order to send everything that comes off their presses.
Material is sought in France, Germany, England, Italy and even the Orient.
The musical stores of every country are assiduously combed for melodies that will create just the right illusion. When that remarkable film Grass was being prepared for public presentation, the services of an authority on the music of Eastern tribes were called upon. For The Vanishing American , rare and little known songs of the Indians were utilized. In Deception , original music written by Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII was dug out of the forgotten archives. The compiler or arranger of scores searches down every possible alley, in every corner for something that will give just the right effect.