Paterson, Sons & Co.
Messrs. Paterson, Sons & Co., Music Warehouse, 152, Buchanan Street.—
It is interesting to note what an immense power and attraction is centered in music. In almost all nations, civilised or otherwise, regular defined sounds that are more or less consonant form an attraction that few individuals are unaware of. There may be met here and there persons who have neither ear for tune nor mechanical perception of time, but these are merely the exceptions that prove the general rule. From the genial errand boy who whistles the popular melodies from the last comic opera to the strictly classical student (not forgetting the intermediate degrees of the “Maiden’s Prayer” order now happily becoming a trifle scarcer), all appreciate music more or less.
The requirements of the public in the north of Great Britain are admirably looked after by the well-known firm of Messrs. Paterson, Sons & Co., probably one of the largest and most renowned firms of its kind in the world. It was originally founded about the commencement of the present century in Edinburgh, and some few years later was extended to Glasgow. The firm have now establishments in Ayr, Dumfries, Paisley, Perth, and Dundee, and thus extend their operations to the greater part of the kingdom, so far as Scotland is concerned. The present partners are Messrs. R. R. Paterson, William Murray, Alexander Murray, and John Murray, under whose energetic and able management a very large trade is done.
The Glasgow establishment forms an elegant and highly attractive emporium. It consists of two spacious floors, each of which are about one hundred and fifty feet long by fifty feet wide. The ground floor forms a magnificent showroom that is heavily stocked with all goods that appertain to the business of a really high-class music warehouse. Although these may be said to cover a considerably wide scope, and would naturally include a variety of small items, such as violin strings, music cases, &c., the two chief branches are instruments and music.
Messrs. Paterson have a splendid show of pianofortes, and act as agents for many of the most renowned makers in the world. It may be here noticed that given a certain degree of excellence the choice of a pianoforte is all a matter of taste. There are many different manufacturers that construct pianofortes of an equally high class order, and yet they do not always meet with similar patronage. One individual likes a Broad wood, another prefers Erard, and so on throughout the list. Among the best instruments included in Messrs. Paterson & Co.’s, stock must be noticed the splendid instruments of Steinway & Sons, of New York. As before said it is of course a matter of opinion and fancy, but there can scarcely be two opinions as to the merits of Steinway pianofortes, which for tone, touch, and general construction are certainly unsurpassed by any in the world. Another well-known and deservedly-renowned maker is C. Bechstein, of Berlin, in whose instruments Messrs. Paterson do a large trade.
The stock includes a large supply of American and other organs, notably those of Estey & Co. It is somewhat satisfactory to find that American organs are rapidly superseding the doleful and melancholy harmoniums. The tone of the latter instruments (unless they happen to be of a really high-class make) is something that can only be admired at a great distance. American organs and similar instruments are, however, become deservedly popular, and their tone is free from that harshness characteristic of harmoniums.
In the sheet music and kindred departments the firm command a highly important trade, having been appointed as music sellers to the Queen, who, it is well known, is a most highly accomplished musician, both theoretically and practically. The connection in all parts of Scotland is with the most influential classes and is continually increasing in all directions. The firm are widely renowned and their success is justly merited as the reward of business enterprise and commercial ability.
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