The St. Louis Republic., 1902-01-26
ATTEMPTS TO PRODUCE SUCCESSFUL RELIGIOUS BALLADS.

l. REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
New. York. Jan. notwithstanding the
opposition on the part of classic music low
ers to the so-called popular songs, particu.
larly ragtime melodies. there are six negro
ditties published every week, to one high
grade song. As authors and publishers are
| in business to make money, it will be read
lily seen that they are only producing works
which will meet with popular favor. The
materialistic or dollar getting spirit of the
hour demands go much time and attention
that no opportunity is afforded for the cul-
a!a tiyation of serious thought in musical ex-
Hence it is that the negro song is still
regnant in concert hall and upon the vau-
deville stage. and ragtime melodies still
meet with more appreciation than they
rightfully deserve. Even in the comic op-
eras of the day songs which have nothing
to do with the plot are interpolated, and
very often gain much more applause than
the original productions score.
Publishers recognize these tendencies in
popular taste. and naturally cater to them
Thus it is that songs like ''what'd Yo' Do
wild de Letter. Mr.. Johnson" peculiarly
distinctive darkey ditty. and pretty Mollie
Shannon" sentimental ballad, both of
which are sung nightly at the Casino by
Anna Held in THE Little Duchess" score
precedence In popular favor: This is a strik-
ing contradiction. as Miss Held is emphat-
ically Parisienne in style and vocal ex-
preston.
Type of Popular Song.
"AIollie Shannon is a salient example of
the style OF song which is now meeting with
popular favor. 1t may not be pretentious
work of the masters. but it is classic in its
line. 1t evokes happy results, for it meets
with rounds of applause and is an unexcep-
t1onable evidence of the approba ton be-
slowed by refined audiences upon any work
that appeals to the heart and the ear
&, In the other song. m.What'd Yo' Do wild de
by the entire chorus of the company AS an
indication of the success with which this
song is being universally received It is only
necessary to say that although but a few
weeks old. 1t is already hummed and
whistled upon the streets and in places
is the loss Of a letter which Mr.. Johnsosn
mas forgotten to post, homely but very
common occurrence. and which evokes the
applause of many Benedick in the audi
ence who has frequently been In the same
predtcament.
Semiclassic Ditties.
Another son of the Ethiopian character.
but OF more nearly semiclassical vein, is en-
titled Nobody Lookin' but de Owl and de
Moon" This is one Of the hits of '.The
Broadway Theater. It has a very hamoni-
ously constructed chorus. and the entire
song is far above the average in this class
u composition. 1t was written by Cole and
BILE songs of this kind The mise en- scene is
of the Romeo and Juliet type
In the more sentimental vein Harry Won
Iilzer. the man who wrote "Td Leave NV
Happy Home for You and "a Bird in n
the Cotton Blossoms Grow" as some ONE mntpe of the
best effusions. 1t is an idyl of the cotton
nelds. and has met with considerable sue
semiserious Pieces.
Other songs in the pathetic and semi
sacred strain which are commanding atten-
ton are three well-constructed ballads by
Spencer ADAMS, musically harmonized BY
OH Shining Light. .The Garden dsseeet,Se1y of Esen
and ''The Great White Throne'' There is,
also ), one by Roger Harding; ..The Grand
Morn"
a particularly mastery composition by
yond the Gates of Paradise has become
by Albert r. Weir. is another well con- con
thought thong t. while ,7. Horwisz ana Bowers. who
ated another. eThe Unseen Land
One Of the leading pathetic songs which is
attracting % more than ordinary attention IS
Ringing" It is evolved from the prolific
brain Of Max g Witt. who wrote ''The
;aS Meth and and the the Flame and Ike noted bal
of the world. 1t is Indicated in a well-da
fined poetic tale.
"Gus" Edwards's Composition.
One of the rising young composers of
popular music Of the hour is Gus Ed
wards. modest and unassuming harmonist
of a very high degree of musical excellence.
He is the composer of the very successful
ditty, II Can't Tell Why Love You, but I
Do" and a host Of others. His latest pro-
duction is entitled "Tll Be With You When
the Roses Bloom Again.. which is being
Mr. Edwardss .'The Man VINO Makes the
Money In the Mint" comic ditty, 10 also