• IF I COULD TELL YOU Vintage Sheet Music by Idabelle Firestone ©1940
  • IF I COULD TELL YOU Vintage Sheet Music by Idabelle Firestone ©1940 1942
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G. Schirm, Inc.

1940 If I Could Tell You Sheet Music – Idabelle Firestone – Voice of Firestone Theme

1940 If I Could Tell You Sheet Music – Idabelle Firestone – Voice of Firestone Theme

$20.00 USD
$20.00 USD
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Low stock: 1 left

AT A GLANCE

Title:
If I Could Tell You
Publisher:
G. Schirmer, Inc., New York
Performance medium:
Piano & voice
Composer:
Idabelle Smith Firestone
Lyricist:
Madeleine Marshall (1941 collaboration)
Date:
1940
Material:
Paper
Dimensions:
9" x 12"
Condition:
Good (G)
Color:
Green on beige
Notes:
Theme for Voice of Firestone radio & television program

A 1940 Tribute Ballad with Elegant Green Cover Art

Collector’s Note

A compelling crossover piece — blending American industrial history, women composers, and early radio broadcasting. Strong appeal for collectors of Firestone memorabilia, radio history, or women in music.

Published in 1940, If I Could Tell You features a serene illustration of a woman standing in a field beside a tall sweeping tree — rendered in soft green against a warm beige background. Composed by Idabelle Smith Firestone (1874–1954) — wife of Harvey Samuel Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber Company — this moving ballad became deeply personal to the Firestone family.

In 1941, Firestone collaborated with Juilliard professor Madeleine Marshall to complete the lyrical setting. The song was dedicated to her late husband and daughter and later became the theme for the nationally broadcast classical music program Voice of Firestone, sponsored by the family company. Tenor Richard Crooks recorded the piece for Victor Records, helping to cement its place in early 20th-century American musical culture.

This example is in very good to near-excellent condition, with only a small interior edge tear. It retains a Baldwin Piano store stamp and is housed in an archival protective sleeve for preservation.

Framing Appeal

This understated Art Deco–era designed cover art with its soft green illustration and lyrical landscape scene, displays beautifully when framed — an ideal accent for a music room, library, or vintage-inspired interior.

Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.

We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.

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Why Collect Vintage Sheet Music

Collecting old sheet music invites you into a world where history, art, and melody intertwine. Each piece is more than printed notation—it's a preserved moment in time. For music lovers, history buffs, and creative minds alike, building a collection offers both personal satisfaction and the possibility of uncovering items of real value.

From classical masterpieces to the spirited energy of the Jazz Age, vintage sheet music reflects how music shaped culture across generations. First editions of composers like Chopin or Gershwin are especially coveted, treasured for their historical and monetary worth. As Smithsonian Magazine notes, these artifacts provide a vivid window into America’s musical and cultural evolution.

Collectors often cherish sheet music not only for its sound but for its striking cover art. Displayed as décor, it brings warmth and character to any room. Others breathe new life into old pages through creative projects—turning them into artwork, journals, or crafts that merge nostalgia with personal style.

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