Castle Innovation Tango.
New York: Jos. W. Stern & Co., 1914. Folio sheet music, illustrated color pictorial cover. 5 pp. (including cover), 10 ½ x 13 ½ inches. Typical light edge wear; bright example with strong color. Excellent. Item #List3616
A classic dance-era publication composed by James Reese Europe (1881–1919) in collaboration with Ford T. Dabney (1883–1958), written for the celebrated ballroom team of Vernon and Irene Castle at the height of America’s tango craze. Europe, already emerging as one of the most important Black bandleaders of the early twentieth century, served as musical director for the Castles and helped translate Afro-American rhythmic idioms into the social dance repertoire of white high society. The Castles were famous not just for their stylish athleticism but also for their boldness: as a white dance troupe, they had hired an African American orchestra as accompaniment, and an African American musical director, at a time when integration was exceptionally uncommon. The publication predates Europe’s celebrated wartime leadership of the 369th Infantry “Hellfighters” Band and represents his pre-war commercial output in New York’s Tin Pan Alley orbit.
Overall an interesting piece from the Pre-Harlem Hellfighters period of Europe’s career. One of several Castle-related compositions by Europe. OCLC 471600821, locating three copies.
Price: $200.00