Berlin

TYPED LETTER SIGNED by the Russian-born American composer & songwriter IRVING BERLIN to the choreographer of his musical "THIS IS THE ARMY" regarding the Philippine Tour and his new song "HEAVEN WATCH THE PHILIPPINES".

1945 · 100362 — <p>April 11 1945. 1945. Very good. - Over 250 words typed on his personal 10-1/2 inch high by 7-1/4 inch wide embossed watermarked linen stationery. Irving Berlin writes to Bob Sidney the choreographer of his important World War II musical "This Is the Army" concerning new music he created for the show's tour of the Philippines. He writes that "I hope all went well in Mendora Mindora and that the new number is working out.As I wrote you from Leyte unless this number is a riot I wouldn't keep it in. Another spot may help but I still feel the number is too slow." Berlin had introduced his new song "Heaven Watch the Philippines" during a ceremony in Leyte in March of 1945 singing the song with a chorus of Filipino girls and the cast of the play "This Is the Army". He wrote the song as a tribute to the Filipino people and their resilience during World War II. In his letter to Bob Sidney he expresses his concern that the song will be misunderstood. "I am really concerned about the Philippine song especially when you play Manila and the rest of the tour through the Philippines. I hope Shanley Pvt. Robert Shanley got away with the announcement. If not someone else should explain the song. It makes much more sense with an announcement. I would also try to get some children for every performance as we did in Leyte. In any event the shows you play in Manila should have the children for every performance." Signed in full "Irving Berlin". Folded for mailing with some light creases. Near fine.</p><p>Originally composed as a Broadway Musical Irving Berlin's "This is the Army" was staged as a morale-boosting revue to raise money for the troops. The musical opened on Broadway on July 4 1942 during the Second World War with a cast consisting of 300 uniformed soldiers. The show was so successful that it was followed by a national and international tour playing in the European Far East and Pacific Theaters of War. Irving Berlin designed the show so that he could insert new songs depending on the location of the performances. "My British Buddy" was composed for the English performances and "Heaven Watch the Philippines" for Pacific Island shows. The song "Heaven Watch the Philippines" was written as a tribute to the Filipino people's resilience during the war and as a benefit to aid in the recovery following the war. Dedicated to General Douglas MacArthur Berlin sang the song with a chorus of Filipino girls and the cast of the musical in a presentation ceremony in Philippine city of Leyte in March 1945. He subsequently donated the song to the country with proceeds to go to the Boy & Girl Scouts of the Philippines.</p><p>The Russian-born American composer and songwriter Irving Berlin 1888-1989 wrote an estimated 1500 songs including scores for 20 Broadway musicals and 15 Hollywood movies. His music forms a large part of the Great American Songbook.</p><p>The American choreographer Robert Sidney 1909-2008 was self-taught as a dancer. He made his Broadway debut in "On Your Toes" in 1936 and appeared in George Balanchine's "Keep Off the Grass". Assigned to the Special Services Division during the Second World War he was the principal choreographer for Irving Berlin's musical "This Is The Army" and was later involved in the movie version starring Ronald Reagan. He choreographed many Broadway shows and worked with Bing Crosby Rita Hayworth Nancy Walker Jackie Gleason Cyd Charisse Debbie Reynolds and Mitzi Gaynor. He also went on to work in television choreographing for "The Dean Martin Show" television versions of musicals and 4 Academy Awards shows.</p> April 11, 1945.