Music recorded in September 1896
In September 1896, the Philippine Revolution saw growing resistance to Spanish colonial rule, with events such as the Battle of Imus (September 1, 1896). In Northeast Africa, the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan saw the Battle of Hafir (September 17–19, 1896) and the occupation of Dongola (September 23, 1896), which led to increased interest among the great powers in the Upper Nile Basin. In the same month, Leopold II (1835–1909), sovereign of the Congo Free State, dispatched an expedition to the White Nile, intensifying tensions over the borders of inland Africa. In science and technology, Guglielmo Marconi (1874–1937) demonstrated wireless telegraphy in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, solidifying hopes for its use in military and government affairs. In culture, a fire broke out in the bullring in Béziers, France, which had an impact on the subsequent design of the stage for city events and musical festivals. In the economic sphere, the United States of America was hit by a recession and ongoing debate over its currency system, creating a climate of political and financial instability.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information on recordings made in September 1896
September 1896 marks a time when cylinder and disc recordings were developing side by side, with disc recordings of short speeches and other "storytelling" arts, such as oral performances, continuing, while cylinder recordings were undergoing technological and business adjustments surrounding duplication and supply systems. While there are only a limited number of cases where individual recording dates can be confirmed, primary sources dated that month and descriptions of catalog operations from the same period allow us to trace the process by which the practice of recording and distribution took shape in the latter half of 1896.
Speech recording on the Berliner Disc (September 24, 1896)
As a disc recording in the Emil Berliner's Gramophone series, "Talk on Money" by George Graham (date of birth and death unknown) is said to have been recorded on September 24, 1896. The recording location is listed as "unknown" in the documents, suggesting that disc recordings from that period did not necessarily rely on fixed studios.
Letter on cylinder duplication technology (September 9, 1896)
As part of a collection of litigation documents related to Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931), a letter (September 9, 1896) from Adolph Melzer (years of birth and death unknown) to Thomas Hood Macdonald (years of birth and death unknown) has been made public, clearly stating the subject as "cylinder records and duplication technology." This primary source confirms that not only recording itself but also the technical challenges of mass production and duplication were important topics of discussion within that month.
Colombia's Numbering System and Supply System in the Late 1896 Period
The Columbia Phonograph Company's August 1896 catalog notes the introduction of a new block numbering system, which became the basis for the presentation and ordering of cylinders in circulation in the latter half of 1896 (including September). While the recording dates themselves are often not immediately identifiable from the documents, the establishment of serial numbers and catalog organization was a prerequisite for moving toward a "volume market."
