A Ballad of the North and South: For Narrator, Mixed Chorus, and Band.
New York: Independent Music Publishers, n.y. Paperback. Music by Normand Lockwood. Folio (13" X 10¼"). Plain stiff tan wrappers. 113pp. Very good. Outer wrappers (only) a tad rubbed and faintly edgeworn, and entire text light age toned. Item #43487
Complete facsimile of the composer's handwritten score, presumably prepared for an actual performance of this history of the Civil War as told through excerpts from period songs. The 1959 hardbound edition (TN: Kingsport Press) and a softbound version (New York: Associated Music Publishers) foreshortened the original score by about one third. This unusual composer's manuscript facsimile would have been produced in an extremely small quantity strictly for those associated with the stage production. This particular copy belonged to noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar and radio broadcast pioneer Carl Haverlin (1899-1985), long-time president of music licensing innovator BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) -- he boldly pencils "Haverlin" at upper right of the plain front wrapper. This copy also bears two fine autograph additions: Tipped to the rear flyleaf and facing page (inside rear wrapper) are two Typed Notes Signed from the co-compilers, both addressed to Haverlins: At left is a TNS from Paul M. Angle (1901-75), 1p, 8½" X 11", Chicago, IL, 29 January 1952. Very good. Two original horizontal folds. On "Chicago Historical Society" letterhead which cites Angle as secretary and director, Angle notes, "You can count on me for a very brief talk on the evening of February 18. I don't know just what I will say, so make the title general enough to include almost anything." Signed simply "Paul" in bold black ink. At right is a TNS from Earl Schenck Miers (1910-72), 1p, pale blue 5½" X 8½", New York, NY, 5 January 1951. Very good. On "Alfred A. Knopf" letterhead, Miers writes, "When I was in Chicago, Ralph Newman spoke so highly of you that I am most anxious to meet with you personally. Perhaps when you have time you will call me here and we can arrange a luncheon date...." Signed boldly in full in blue ink. A highly unusual facsimile edition with letters from both compilers. Very scarce.
Price: $250.00