Historical information

This sheet music is "The Parade of the Tin Soldiers', the original German title, composed by Leon Jessel as a solo piece for the piano in 1905. The work is also known as "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers". In 1907 the orchestra version was published, Opus 123. (Op. 123, as written on the cover).

The sheet music was published by Sole Publishers for the British Empire, Enoch & Sons Ld (1890-1927) of 58 Great Marlborough Street, London, W. Versions for all other countries were published by Neinrichshofen's, Verlag, Magdeburg. Orchestral and Military arrangements of the music were published by Hawkes & Son, Denman St, Piccadilly Circus, London,

Leon Jessel (Jan. 22, 1821 to Jan. 4, 1942) was a German composer who was born a Jew and converted to Christianity in 1894. His works included a wide variety of music including 'The Parade of Tin Soldiers' (Die Parade der Zinnsoldaten). Jessel was also a music conductor and bandmaster. The instrumental piece 'Die Marokkanische Patrouille' (The Moroccan Patrol) was published in 1911, Opus 227. He was also known for his operettas 'Schwarzwaldmädel'(Black Forest Girl), presented in 1917, and 'Die Postmeisterin' (The Postmistress), presented in 1921. In December 1941 he was arrested and then tortured by the German Gestapo; he died in January 1942.

In the early 1920s, The Parade of the Tin Soldiers became very popular; it was presented as part of a show and was re-titled The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. It was also made into a film and its recording was a hit single record. The music continues to be played and presented and is a Christmas-time favourite.

Significance

This music is significant for its connection with the German composer Leon Jessel, a victim of the Germans for being born a Jew, even though he converted to Christianity in his youth.
It is also significant as a popular work of music composed in the early 1900s and later used for a variety show and a film. The music an example of entertainment in the early 20th century that has endured to current times and often played at Christmas celebrations.

Physical description

Book of sheet music for four tunes. The thin softcovered book has eight pages, with the front cover featuring colourful graphics of soldiers marching and others on horseback. The four tunes are: -
The Parade of the Tin Soldiers, (piano solo), Composer: Leon Jessel.
Ballade de la Lune,
Enjolement,
Lentement, document, tendrament,
Publisher: for the British Empire, Hawkes & Son, Denman St, Piccadilly Circus, London, Sole Publishers for the British Empire,
Printer: Enoch & Sons Ld. 58 Great Marlborough Street, London, W.
Printer: Lowe & Brydone Printers Ltd. London N.W. 10
Publisher, for all other countries: Heinrichshofen's, Verlag, Magdeburg.
Printed: in England by Heinrichshofen's Verlag
Copyright: 1911 by Heinrichshofen's Verlag

Inscriptions & markings

Other print on the cover includes:
ALSO KNOWN AS "THE PARADE OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS" "Op. 123"
"Characteristic Piede"
"SOLE PROPRIETORS FOR THE BRITISH EMPIRE"
"NEW SUCCESS BY THE SAME COMPOSER 'MOROCCAN PAT(ROL) (CH)ARASTIC PIECE"
"PIANO SOLO" "SIMPLIFIED" "DUET" "VIOLIN & PIANO" "Orchestral & Military Arrangements"
On the bottom of pages: "E & S 4370" "Copyright 1911 by Heinrichshofen's Verlag"