Music recorded in November 1897
November 1897 was a time of marked movements for colonial rule and autonomy across the country. The Philippine Revolution saw the establishment of the Republic of Biak-na-Bato and the creation of a provisional constitution, although dates vary depending on the source. In the Caribbean, the Kingdom of Spain granted Puerto Rico the Autonomous Charter, establishing the framework for an autonomous government. In urban politics, the 1897 New York City mayoral election was held, setting the stage for the inauguration of the City of Greater New York the following year. In legal affairs, the House of Lords firmly affirmed the separate legal personality of corporations in Salomon v. A Salomon & Co. Ltd. In the cultural sphere, the opera "Sapho" premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. At the end of the month, strong wind damage was reported around England, affecting coastal traffic and maritime activities.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information on recordings made in November 1897
At present, we are unable to find primary sources that comprehensively indicate the dates of individual recordings and releases for November 1897. However, we have been able to find publications, trade magazine articles, and patent documents dated that month, which suggest that improvements in equipment and the spread of performances (public performances) were progressing in parallel for both cylindrical and disc types.
National Phonograph Company publication (November 1, 1897)
In the Thomas A. Edison Papers Digital Edition, publications under the name of the National Phonograph Company are registered with a date of November 1, 1897. The folder description organizes the materials as a group including documents (price lists, etc.) related to phonograph parts and accessories, providing clues to the actual supply and distribution of recording and playback equipment at the time.
Public demonstrations and "record production" in The Phonoscope (November–December 1897 issue)
The November/December 1897 issue of The Phonoscope reports that the National Gramophone Company held a public demonstration of the gramophone record manufacturing process at Chickering Hall in New York City. This shows that recording was not just a "factory process," but was presented as a demonstration and entertainment in front of an audience.
Patent applications related to the graphophone (November 1897) and focus of improvements
In a United States patent document, applications for a graphophone-reproducer and a graphophone were filed on November 22, 1897, and the specific configuration of the stylus, diaphragm support, feed mechanism, carriage, etc. Another patent document discusses a recording method in which lateral undulations are engraved into grooves, confirming that mechanical recording in the late 1890s relied heavily on improvements in the "engraving/reading" process (although the document itself is not dated 1897).
- https://patents.google.com/patent/US644981A/en
- https://patents.google.com/patent/US680339A/en
- https://patents.google.com/patent/US763903A/en
