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Absence brings you nearer to my heart

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https://digital.library.illinois.edu/items/f772ddc0-c556-0134-2373-0050569601ca-d
No Copyright - United States (RightsStatements.org)

This item is in the public domain.

Supplementary Document

Title
Absence brings you nearer to my heart - Lyrics
Alternative Title
Ballad
Composer
Solman, Alfred  
Lyricist
Benedek, Paul  
Publisher
M. Witmark & Sons  
Place of Publication
New York (N.Y.)  
Year of Publication
1917  
Local Identifier
2014_12996_007
Collection
James Edward Myers World War I Sheet Music Collection

Descriptive Information

Title
Absence brings you nearer to my heart
Composer
Solman, Alfred  
Lyricist
Benedek, Paul  
Publisher
M. Witmark & Sons  
Place of Publication
New York (N.Y.)  
Year of Publication
1917  
Date of Copyright
1917-12-28
Physical Description
1 score, voice and piano ([1], 2–3, [1] p.)
Type
Musical notation  
Comment
This song was promoted vigorously but briefly between December 1917 and April 1918, apparently with some success, judging by the arrangements and the recording. But it apparently suffered in comparison with the enduring classic “Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder,” written in 1900 by Herbert Dillea and Arthur Gillespie. Its connection to the war is tenuous, but the lyric reference to letters is typical of war-related ballads.
Historical Note
  • The slogan “Food Will Win the War—Don’t Waste It” (gutter, p. 2–3) was officially launched by the Food Adminstration in mid-September, 1917.
  • This is the second of three printings that can be distinguished but not dated by back covers and interiors. M. Witmark copyrighted three arrangements: a “vocal orchestration” by George J. Trinkhaus on December 31, 1917; a “full orchestra” arrangment by T. M. Taylor on April 23, 1918; and a “military band” arrangement (unattributed) on April 23, 1918. Witmark also registered mechanical rights on January 12, 1918.
  • A piano roll, Imperial 9513, played by Zema Randale, was released in March 1918. M. Witmark copyrighted three arrangements: a “vocal orchestration” by George J. Trinkhaus on December 31, 1917; a “full orchestra” arrangment by T. M. Taylor on April 23, 1918; and a “military band” arrangement (unattributed) on April 23, 1918. Witmark also registered mechanical rights on January 12, 1918.
Musical Note
A conventional sentimental ballad, moderato and in 4/4, with the usual characteristics: the pervasive chromatic inflections frequently include modal borrowings, the melody contains recurring falling seconds, and there is the expected leap to the climax near the end.
Repository
Sousa Archives and Center for American Music
Rights
No Copyright - United States
Rights Description
This item is in the public domain.
Back Cover Description
Advertisement, “Whitmark Black and White Series”, and sample, ”Evening Brings Rest and You” (© 1916 03 10).
Local Identifier
2014_12996_007
Collection Title
James Edward Myers World War I Sheet Music Collection
Collection
James Edward Myers World War I Sheet Music Collection
TitleAbsence brings you nearer to my heart
ComposerSolman, Alfred  
LyricistBenedek, Paul  
PublisherM. Witmark & Sons  
Place of PublicationNew York (N.Y.)  
Year of Publication1917  
Date of Copyright1917-12-28
Physical Description1 score, voice and piano ([1], 2–3, [1] p.)
TypeMusical notation  
CommentThis song was promoted vigorously but briefly between December 1917 and April 1918, apparently with some success, judging by the arrangements and the recording. But it apparently suffered in comparison with the enduring classic “Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder,” written in 1900 by Herbert Dillea and Arthur Gillespie. Its connection to the war is tenuous, but the lyric reference to letters is typical of war-related ballads.
Historical Note
  • The slogan “Food Will Win the War—Don’t Waste It” (gutter, p. 2–3) was officially launched by the Food Adminstration in mid-September, 1917.
  • This is the second of three printings that can be distinguished but not dated by back covers and interiors. M. Witmark copyrighted three arrangements: a “vocal orchestration” by George J. Trinkhaus on December 31, 1917; a “full orchestra” arrangment by T. M. Taylor on April 23, 1918; and a “military band” arrangement (unattributed) on April 23, 1918. Witmark also registered mechanical rights on January 12, 1918.
  • A piano roll, Imperial 9513, played by Zema Randale, was released in March 1918. M. Witmark copyrighted three arrangements: a “vocal orchestration” by George J. Trinkhaus on December 31, 1917; a “full orchestra” arrangment by T. M. Taylor on April 23, 1918; and a “military band” arrangement (unattributed) on April 23, 1918. Witmark also registered mechanical rights on January 12, 1918.
Musical NoteA conventional sentimental ballad, moderato and in 4/4, with the usual characteristics: the pervasive chromatic inflections frequently include modal borrowings, the melody contains recurring falling seconds, and there is the expected leap to the climax near the end.
RepositorySousa Archives and Center for American Music
RightsNo Copyright - United States
Rights DescriptionThis item is in the public domain.
Back Cover DescriptionAdvertisement, “Whitmark Black and White Series”, and sample, ”Evening Brings Rest and You” (© 1916 03 10).
Local Identifier2014_12996_007
Collection TitleJames Edward Myers World War I Sheet Music Collection
CollectionJames Edward Myers World War I Sheet Music Collection

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Absence brings you nearer to my heart - Lyrics
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