Music recorded in March 1913
March 1913 was a month marked by a series of turning points in politics, society, and culture. In the United States, a large-scale women's suffrage march took place on Washington on March 3, and Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) was inaugurated as president the following day, March 4. On March 10, Harriet Tubman (c. 1822–1913), known for her work on the Underground Railroad, died, marking the end of a symbolic era in the history of the abolitionist movement in the United States. In Australia, the future capital, Canberra, was officially named on March 12. In New York, the International Exhibition of Modern Art, which ran until March 15, sparked a strong response to modern art. Furthermore, the Great Flood of 1913 occurred in the Midwestern United States from March 23–27, causing severe damage to urban functions and transportation networks. On March 26th, in southeastern Europe, the First Balkan War saw the fall of Adrianople (now Edirne), marking a major turning point in the war.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information on recordings made in March 1913
The only recording-related information that can be reliably confirmed at this point in March 1913 is that Thomas A. Edison, Inc. announced a new cylinder machine in its industry materials for that month, updated its cylinder model catalog, strengthened its home recording initiatives, and streamlined its Blue Amberol, which was released that same month. The "Sixth Blue Amberol List," also published in the March 1913 issue, is an announcement of scheduled shipments for April, and should be treated separately from the March 1913 release itself.
Amberola V
The March 1913 issue of The Edison Phonograph Monthly announced the Edison Amberola V, a new model. The publication described it as the result of approximately two years of acoustic research, featuring a hidden horn system, a mahogany or golden oak finish, dimensions of 16.5 inches high, 16.5 inches wide, and 22 inches deep, and a list price of $80 in the United States and $100 in Canada. It came standard with a Diamond Reproducer Model B, specifically for Blue Amberola, but could also regenerate wax cylinders with a Sapphire system.
New Cylinder Model Catalog
The same March 1913 issue also announced the publication of a new cylinder model catalog, Form 2305. The 32-page, 5x8-inch catalog featured models in 14 different interior scenes, highlighting the Edison Amberola V and Edison Amberola VI miniature hidden horn machines. The rest of the catalog, according to the text, also listed home recording equipment, cylinder record albums, various reproducers, and accessories such as horns.
Strengthening home recording initiatives
The March 1913 issue is also significant for its strong promotion of home recording. The article explains how quarter-minute recorders and home shaving machines have made home recording easier, and also announces a special offer on the Model L Sapphire Reproducer for the Amberola I, Amberola III, Concert, and School Phonograph. This promoted the ability to use not only Blue Amberol but also wax cylinders and homemade recordings as a sales advantage.
Bleu Amberol, released in March 1913
Allan Sutton's discography organizes the March 1913 releases of Blue Amberol as 1626–1650, and also notes that a numerical release system was adopted from this month's list. The March release included tracks such as 1626 "Patriotic Songs of America — Medley," 1633 "Rock of Ages," 1636 "Mattinata," and 1638 "Belle of New York March / Second Regiment Connecticut National Guard March."
Announcement of the Sixth Blue Amberol List
The March 1913 issue also announced the Sixth Blue Amberol List. However, this was not for the issue released that month; according to the document, it was a new list scheduled to be shipped to Jobber around mid-April 1913. Confirmed inclusions include "Manhattan Beach and El Capitan Marches" (1711), "I Will Sing of My Redeemer" (1715), "Wearing of the Green" (1720), and "Flanagan's Irish Jubilee" (1725), suggesting that religious, patriotic, Irish-influenced, and comedic pieces were promoted side by side in promotional activities at the time.
- https://archive.org/details/edisonphonograph11moor
- https://adp-assets.library.ucsb.edu/edison_4m-cyls.pdf
