The Firefly, Forsyth

The Firefly is one of many solo piano works that was written by Wiliam Forsyth. Forsyth was a Canadian born composer and musician, based in Toronto. (Keillor) He built an international reputation by travelling to Leipzig and other destinations for the pursuit of education and performance opportunities. In doing so, he built a vast network; one that would prove to be beneficial for his publications later on. He was the first Canadian composer working in his homeland to have most of his compositions published. He did so in places such as New York and Philadelphia, where Ditson was located. Evidently, Ditson saw lots of potential for his business in Forsyth, especially since Forsyth carried with him popularity and an international network. 

The Firefly, like many of his solo piano works, was for moderate difficulty. It was ideal for a salon setting or to play in the home. Furthermore, it could be used as a teaching material. This piece is a scherzo and exhibits characteristic elements such as a fast tempo, challenging contrasts in articulation and wide leaps in the left hand. It would have served as a stylistic exercise.

Forsyth's piece was published in 6 different locations, all through firms that were owned by Ditson or were affiliated with his company. Ditson must have expected that it would be popular and bring in a hefty sum of money. It was also to Forsyth’s advantage to partner with a publisher that had such a far reach in North America. This is an example of one piece that he published through The Canadian-American Music Co. Limited in Toronto. Ditson also published it in his own company in Boston, as well as his partners Chas. H. Ditson & Company in New York, Lyon & Healy in Chicago, and J.E. Ditson & Co. in Philadelphia. Of particular interest is the connection with Francis, Day & Hunter in London, England. Similar to the Canadian company, this is one that Ditson partnered with to distribute music in a market that he did not dominate (Sanjek, 91). In this particular instance, another continent.

This particular piece of music demonstrates just how large and far reaching Ditson’s network of firms and connections was. Since he did not necessarily have the resources to establish his own firms outside of the United States, he very strategically partnered with independent firms to distribute his own music.