New-York tribune., 1921-09-04

- VER the doors OF monograph re-
cording laboratory there might be an
Y inscription
"Here shall ye wax and wane."
For one vocalist or instrumentalist who has
wsxed successfully hundreds have waned. The
cornucopia. through which the artists tones
PASS to the mysterious medium known slangily
IS "wax" is a horn of plenty for the few
only. Those who record well enough to make
an impression not only on the wax but on the
eoncaves thas decide whose disks shall be
marketed find more than contracts or royal
ties in the hoTn of plenty. Theirs is the op-
portunity to prove to critical world and to
skeptical posterity that their performance
lives up to the rhapsodies of their press
agents.
Entry to the temples where craven images
ot voices are made is difficult for performers
and almost impossible for the layman. Re-
cording rooms are sacred ground, and the
priests indulge in all manner of ceremony
save one. There is no ceremony about ex-
pellng intruders. If the acolytes of the
switchboard and the vestal virgins Of the
outer Offices fail to divert the footsteps of the
seeker after truth or gossip, it is not unlikely
exercise the adventurous spirits who would
erter It is only occasionally that one who
has no direct communication to make to the
horn is permitted to stray into the precincts.
Having somehow gained access to the re-
asding room, the visitor will be somewhat
surprised that the atmosphere of solemnity
which hedges it from without is absent with
IN. At one end of the chamber is the horn
Of plenty, projecting from screen behind
which is the recording mechanism Sound
screens, tilted at various angles, make the
place look like cubist drawing room Near
the ceiling is gridiron of thin girders, from
which dangle clips to hold music. When an
orchestra is performing from scores placed
in these clips, the general impression is one
Of band Interpreting symphony written
down on fly paper.
Charming Chanson, let US say, the young
American tenor-all American tenors are
young'-has applied for permission to make
test record. The laboratory happens to be
Tree, and Mr.. Chanson, having proved by press
notices and letters hailing him as the only
logical successor to Caruso, that he is vocally,
intellectually and possibly eugenically fit to
be photograph artist, is invited to abandon
all hope and to enter the studio.
What will you sing?" inquiries the func-
tonary in charge.
The aria from 'Pagliacci,'" responds Chan
son, and without further explanation he be-
gins to intone 'Vesti la giubba, Ia
faccia''-
he is halted here for a conference. Record
ing is an industry, and therefore cannot be
carried on without frequent conferences. The
upsnot of the conference is that Chanson will
uy Mother Machree'' for his first test.
Just step up to the horn and sing" coun-
sells the director. "That's all. Wait till YOU
here buzz from behind the screen, and then
let 'er 60"
Claiming strikes an effective attitude and
waits. Comes the buzz. Claiming looks
about.
Go ahead" urges the director, in fero-
cious whisper
manning clears his throat and MARBLES the
suiogy Of Irish maternity. AS he takes his
Ass note-falsetto; he would be dismissed on
sae spot did he dare to sing it in his natural
s0ee-comes an Unconditional Chats all"
1rom the director.
Now we'll hear it back" remarks the
official.
There is a scraping sound from behind the
screen.
ughl R-r-r-rp begins the record
), Shouldn't have coughed," comments the
director.
The record continues:
Inassas pottin mahar thanno collin mayo;
inassa deafn masoul thassna sounda dor
tnown,v
And ends:
wv Gablassyo 'nkeep 20.
mahtha Machree-ee"
4, / Manson tries to conceal his reactions, and
s s" director does likewise. There Is silence.
.any the director speaks.
!, ~ right" he addresses the mechanic bs-
.1a Che screen. "Scrape 1t of. Well try
another"
% turns to Chanson.
1aas was an excellent first attempt" he
$ Ments Many great singers haven't done
ssA on the first trial, Your Voice sounded
and your high 'netess ssyers strained.