Music recorded in November 1914
November 1914 saw the expansion of World War I, paralleled by new systems and observations in finance, science, and the media. On November 1, the Battle of Coronel took place, in which the Imperial German Navy inflicted a devastating blow on the Royal Navy. On November 7, the Siege of Tsingtao ended, with the combined forces of Japan and Britain capturing the German stronghold of Tsingtao. On November 5, Britain and France declared war on the Ottoman Empire, and in mid-month, the Ottoman Empire declared holy war, escalating the conflict to involve the Middle East and the Islamic world. Meanwhile, in the United States, the Federal Reserve Banks began operations on November 16, marking the beginning of a modern central banking system. In terms of culture and discourse, The New Republic was launched on November 7th, and in terms of science, a transit of Mercury across the sun was observed around the same time. Even during wartime, institutional formation and intellectual activity did not cease.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information on recordings made in November 1914
In November 1914, the recording industry saw simultaneous efforts to supply new releases for the year-end sales season, strengthen advertising for phonographs, and expand in-store demonstrations and school use. The companies whose activities can be directly confirmed from contemporary documents for that month are Thomas A. Edison, Inc., Victor Talking Machine Co., and Columbia Graphophone Co. Thomas A. Edison, Inc. showcased the recording process itself as a promotional tool, Victor Talking Machine Co. intensified its year-end advertising and dance music sales, and Columbia Graphophone Co. promoted new releases and expanded the use of their machines in school events. What is evident from the November documents is that, in addition to the release of recordings, corporate activities aimed at penetrating homes, stores, and schools were intensifying.
Edison
The November 1914 issue of "Edison Phonograph Monthly" featured a detailed description of the recording process at Thomas A. Edison, Inc.'s recording studio at 79 Fifth Street in New York City. The description specifically detailed the singer's positioning, the orchestra's arrangement, the use of white wax masters, and the shavings removal equipment, confirming that the company was using recording technology itself for sales promotion. The same issue also included an article on Blue Amberol's wartime hit "It's a Long, Long Way to Tipperary," linking it to the month's topicality to promote the cylinder.
- https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Edison-Phonograph/Edison-Phonograph-Monthly-1914-Vol-12.pdf
- https://archive.org/details/edisonphonograph12moor
Victor
Regarding Victor Talking Machine Co., the November 1914 issue of "The Talking Machine World" confirms that their November newspaper advertisements focused on Victrola selections for Christmas and the demand for dance music. Furthermore, new December releases were scheduled for November 28th, and the company distributed Christmas-themed in-car advertisements to retailers. The same issue also includes information on the company's expansion of its polishing plant and shipping facilities to increase record production, as well as an example of how a store display prominently featuring dance records attracted a large number of customers. This shows that Victor Talking Machine Co. was coordinating its advertising, supply chain, and in-store presentations that month.
Columbia
Regarding Columbia Graphophone Co., the November 1914 issue of The Talking Machine World featured a December record bulletin, which listed new releases, including records by Emmy Destinn (1878–1930). Reports from local branches also noted that dealers were stocking up on inventory in anticipation of holiday demand, and that demand for dance records was picking up again as social gatherings resumed in the winter. Furthermore, a Columbia Princess Grafonola was reportedly used at a school event in Laurel, Maryland, and was well-received as an adjunct to school entertainment, confirming that the company's products were expanding into educational settings outside the home.
