Music recorded in August 1894
August 1894 marked the decisive month for the conflict between Japan and China in East Asia, with declarations of war announced on August 1st by Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) on the Japanese side and Emperor Guangxu (1871–1908) on the Chinese side. While inter-imperial competition intensified, in Europe the UK enacted the Finance Act 1894, restructuring its inheritance tax system. Social movements also saw progress, with women's suffrage groups receiving royal charter in the Netherlands. This month, a time of simultaneous war, systems, and movements, also signaled the process by which the media environment (including print and audio recordings) responsible for the distribution of information and public opinion was reorganized to modern speeds.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information on recordings made in August 1894
The publicly available documents referenced here do not reveal any recording sessions for August 1894 that can be determined by date within the month, including the recording date, song title, performer, and location. However, in terms of the recording industry's systems, the only dated major event for that month that can be confirmed is that the North American Phonograph Company entered receivership on August 21, 1894, and a receiver was appointed.
North American Phonograph Company begins receivership proceedings
Records show that on August 21, 1894, the North American Phonograph Company entered receivership, with John R. Hardin (dates of birth and death unknown) appointed as receiver. This marked a turning point in the restructuring of North America's phonograph distribution network and the framework for the supply of master recordings, and it underscored the fact that the recording business was an industry driven not only by technology but also by legal and financial matters.
- https://edison.rutgers.edu/edit-chronology/chronology-details/1891—1900/1894
- https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/folder/D9435-F
