Sigmund Romberg Autograph on "Viennese Nights" piano/vocal score Rare 1930 Publn. Sigmund Romberg Autograph on "Viennese Nights" piano/vocal score. Rare 1930 Publication by HARMS Incorporated. A Vitaphone Operetta, produced by Warner Brothers. Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein 2nd, music by Sigmund Romberg.
This technicolour film musical was one of the very earl film musicals made in Hollywood soon after the introduction of talking movies. It was released in November 1930. Romberg dated his signature "Hollywood, July 31/30" at which time he was likely working on production or post-production.
No indication within the volume of a possible recipient/owner. It might be noted that the front spine edge is worn where the book would have been held in the hand -- possibly indicating regular and frequent use over an extended time. But whether this use was by a member of the cast of the film or of some other cast is a question with no answer.
The film was said not to have been a big success in the US, partly due to the Depression, but to have achieved considerable popularity and commercial success in Britain and Australia. The most prominent members of the film's cast for a later generation were Walter Pidgeon and Bela Lugosi, the latter in a minor role and in his pre-Dracula career.Romberg's signature is bold and confident. It clearly matches other examples of his signature. While the credits for the operetta's creation include Hammerstein and other credits for the film production, the name printed in gilt on the front cover is simply that of Sigmund Romberg. "HARMS Incorporated", the volume's publisher, was part of one of the biggest music-publishing businesses in America.
In 1929 that business was bought by Warner Brothers. It seems evident that the production of the volume was a business matter between Warner and Romberg, and one would suppose that Romberg signed and gave out a number of copies. However that may be, there is at the present time (October, 2022) only one other copy of this book on public offer.
It is in the USA and is signed (but not dated) by Romberg to a named person. The cover of the book is dark-brown faux leather, much worn on the surface and at corners and spine ends. The very nicely marbled end papers are also seriously damaged.
166 pages of piano score, with voice parts and lyrics, and with script directions interspersed at appropriate points. No internal markings other than the signature on title page. Photo 4 shows the rear cover. Listing and template services provided by inkFrog.