Music recorded in October 1906
October 1906 was a month of simultaneous developments in political systems, international relations, communications standards, and aviation technology. On October 1, the Grand Duchy of Finland saw progress in institutional reforms, including universal suffrage and the right to run for office, and also marked a milestone in women's suffrage. On October 3, the first International Radiotelegraph Conference opened in Berlin, marking the beginning of full-scale work on international radio communication, including maritime radio. On October 7, the National Consultative Assembly opened in Iran, marking a milestone in constitutionalization under the reign of Moẓaffar od-Dīn Shāh (1852–1907). On October 11, the San Francisco Board of Education announced measures to segregate Japanese schoolchildren, raising diplomatic issues in relation to the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between Japan and the United States (1894). On October 16, Wilhelm Voigt (1849–1922), wearing a military uniform, seized control of Köpenick's town hall, a move widely retold as a social allegory poking fun at blind obedience to authority. On October 23, Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873–1932) publicly recorded his first powered flight near Paris, marking the beginning of public aviation experiments as a "technology of witnessing."
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information on recordings made in October 1906
October 1906 was a time when record supply and sales control came to the forefront in anticipation of the holiday shopping season. In the October 1906 issue of Edison Phonograph Monthly (Vol. 4, No. 8), the National Phonograph Company declared that "the retail season is in full swing" and published a list of new releases (Edison Gold Molded Records) for December, emphasizing the importance of adherence to shipping dates and release times. Additionally, while the company began distributing new releases a month ahead of schedule, it also clearly stated its policy of strictly controlling in-store release dates, and thoroughly implemented a "standardized release date system" that also included the handling of sample discs (prohibiting public previews). The October 1906 issue of the industry paper The Talking Machine World, published in the same month, reported on increased demand, export trends, and booming sales, and also discussed the expansion of uses for the Talking Machine beyond home entertainment to include long-distance communication (recorded messages).
Edison December New Releases (Advance Listing for the October 1906 Issue)
The National Phonograph Company published an advance list of Edison Gold Molded Records for December 1906 in the October 1906 issue (Vol. 4, No. 8) of Edison Phonograph Monthly. It also clearly indicated sales controls, such as requiring shipments to jobbers (wholesalers) in the United States and Canada to arrive by November 27th, but prohibiting sales in stores or reshipment before 8:00 AM on November 27th. The list includes seasonal tunes and songs from popular stage productions, and the document confirms that it was compiled with a strong awareness of year-end demand.
New album sales start time and sample disc operation ("8 AM on the 27th" rule)
The National Phonograph Company has established a policy of not selling or re-shipping new monthly releases until 8:00 AM on the 27th of the previous month, and has mentioned penalties (such as suspension of sample supply) for violations. It also repeatedly reminds users that sample discs are for the purpose of determining whether to accept orders, and that they should not be played to the public in advance. These controls are positioned as measures aimed at maintaining order in terms of prices and distribution during the heated holiday shopping season.
Market trends in October 1906 reported by industry papers (increased demand, exports, and expanded uses)
The October 1906 issue of The Talking Machine World (dated October 15, 1906) summarized strong autumn/winter demand at retail locations around the country, brisk supply and sales of machines and records, and the industry's interest in export statistics from ports. The article also introduced a "recorded message" sent to a mother from the Panama Canal Zone (a construction area at the time), confirming that recording media were viewed not only as entertainment but also as a tool for communication and recording.
