MUSICAL SETTINGS OF POEMS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sia,—Apropos of the letter of A. R. C. in your issue of August 22nd—" Musical Settings of Poems "—a diary of a recent personal experience is somewhat illuminating :
1. Acceptance by leading music publishing firm of MS. subject to permission for use of words. (Short poem of three verses.) 2. Correspondence extending over three months for permission to use them.
3. Permission to apply to agent for terms.
4. Terms—Royalty of 10 per cent. on published price (4d.). Now, as a composer's royalty is only 10 per cent., it is not at all likely that a publisher can make a business proposition if he has to pay an extra royalty of this kind. Therefore :
5. Return of MS. by music publisher who states ho cannot pay a double • royalty.
6. MS. placed on shelf for all time.
Truly music is the " Cinderella of the Arts," and com- posers have no right to exist !—I am, Sir, &c., (Capt.) H. B. liVEATRERDON.
13, Frederica Road, Chingford, E. 4.
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