Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-02-11
MISS vANNAH INTERVIEWED.
Former Gardiner Woman, Now IN
London, Tells of Song Writing.

It was my pleasure the other day 10
listen to the experiences of an Amerl-
can song composer who has now made
England her home. This was Miss
Kate Nannah, whose, reputation was
established in the United States before
she came to London, writes the Am
crican First Nighter' from London to
the New York Sunday Herald.
Much that she said is Illuminating
and would be valuable to any fedg-
ling composer who would take heed OF
it Among other things, she said:
NV experiences with London music
publishers has led me to conclude that
they are somewhat loath to Introduce
The works of American composers. as
a rule. Personally / have no grle-
vance. Five years ago my songs were
introduced in England by Nine. Lii
liam Elauvelt, whose influence, must
cal and social, is q thing richly worth
having, | find, in this country.
"What I note especially here Is the
absence from leagues of concert pro-
grams cr the names of American COM
pOsers. Now in America our programs
show the names of all the best British
comDcsers. Marvellous how great
singer can bring 4 struggling compoS-
or out of the gloom into the strong
,larc. Two wears ago England scarce
lv knew of the existence of certain
Young and fetching Irish tenor who
swiftly lcapcd into the limcllght Of
fame.
81 had a talk recently with an Eng
lisb writer of songs who at SO, Is hav-
ing his first draught of succcss.' one
night last wear the young irish tenor
sang q little song composed by this
man. who had fought steadily for 81
wears for recognition by the English
n,,blisters. Presto. the thing. was
done! Today any London house would
n,hlish his songs. It is the old story
of the Scriptures, the stone which the
builders rejected, the same Is pecoi'ie
the head of the corner
"Of course there Is an enormous ad-
vantage for the English publisher VINO
controls. on a long lease, n great con
cert hall in London. Once song Is
started under such auspices, II Is sen,
ont through the provinces, advertised
daily in several of the great ne~spa-
ners of London. giving the names or
half dozen singers VINO VIII lii.r"-
duce it on date given at Brlghtoh'
Bournemouth, Harrogate' etratloro'
etc =.
THE song is held before the puoi'c
eve. dinned into the publlcS ear tilelc-
after for weeks on end 1t is ike your
conscience. you never can get away
from it, 1t may be good song NY
Liza Lehman. of Guy d Hardeiot' vi
Il bit Of harmless idiocy talked III
higher key by Margaret Cooper the
accompaniment alluringly played os
her speaking tingers-but there IL -
necessarily to the front.
Il think in this report the BRUSH
publisher Of music is worthy OF Hiiila-
ton by our larger American puolisn-
ing houses. They work harder on TINS
side to get q song well started'-maype
because the Englishman and the oco'
value Il shilling far more imam the
American values ten bob. l have gone
into Il large music house In Boston ahC
asked for certain song OF my own
and been told that they did not carry
such a song in stock.
But you publish the song crled
Upon inquiry second clerk re-
mcmbered that such song was OF
their list. This was not long ago, bc'
| believe such a thing could not hap
pen in London. I believe American
houses shelve song far too soon
They do not take the same trouble u
place the song before the puphc oA
employing good artists to sing it,
The English publisher and the Eng
lish concert singer are bound togethe
because of the question of royalties IL
q fearful tangle. The singer is bount
hand, foot and vocal chords! He Il
bound to sing many songs hateful t.
him rather than forfeit his royalty
He is bound by contract to sing tn
publications of his especial pupiisnei
who may bring out utterly trashy
well as decent songs. ~ itsi.
1T is certainly death to inspiration
for the poor singer. AS singing o.
amateurs seems an Indispensable &C
compartment of an afternoon tea, 20
can form a fair idea. of how man