1921年2月に録音された音楽

Music recorded in February 1921

February 1921 was a month marked by a series of events that demonstrated the ongoing restructuring of the post-World War I world order. In Paris, conferences on German reparations continued, and the instability of the post-war economy remained central to diplomatic challenges. In the United States, on February 15, a portrait monument commemorating the women's suffrage movement was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, making the achievements of the social movement visible as national memory. On February 21, the U.S. Postal Service began 24/7 transcontinental airmail service, and flights on February 22-23 advanced the practical application of long-distance air transport. Also on February 21, a military coup occurred in Tehran, shaking the political order of Iran. Furthermore, on February 25, Tbilisi, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, was seized by the Red Army, drastically altering the political landscape of the Caucasus. In terms of diplomacy, society, transportation technology, and regional politics, February clearly showed the process by which the post-war world was being restructured into a new system and power structure.

Confirmed recordings this month: 0

Summary of information regarding the recording from February 1921

Contemporary industry documents from February 1921 reveal that the recording industry was simultaneously pursuing not only new releases but also price revisions, restructuring of sales networks, dealer support, live demonstrations, and strengthening of regional distribution. In particular, during this month, while some companies adopted policies to protect the value of existing inventory amidst economic adjustments, others lowered record prices to stimulate demand, clearly showing the differences in strategies among companies. Changes in the sales and listening environment can also be observed, such as the expansion of sales channels to the Canadian and Southern United States markets, the growing demand for Black popular music, and the convergence of wireless telephone and record playback. Below, we will summarize only the recording-related companies and major sales companies whose activities can be confirmed in the documents from February 1921.

Thomas A. Edison Company

The February 15, 1921 issue of "The Talking Machine World" reports that Thomas A. Edison, Inc. held a meeting of Edison-affiliated wholesalers in Montreal on February 10-11 as part of its related activities. In preparation for this, a standardization committee meeting was also held in Orange, New Jersey, on February 4-5. The same issue also reports that Edison Phonograph Works filed a lawsuit against the Pullman Company over delays in cabinet delivery, indicating that the company was dealing with both sales network development and product supply issues in February 1921.

Columbia

On February 1, 1921, Columbia Graphophone Co. reduced the price of some of its 10-inch double-sided records featuring non-affiliated singers and musicians from $1 to 85 cents. This clear move in February demonstrates an attempt to stimulate demand through price changes. Also in the same month, the company opened its first direct retail branch in Canada at 204 Rue Sainte-Catherine in Montreal, simultaneously implementing price revisions and expanding its regional distribution channels.

Brunswick

In a letter to dealers in February 1921, The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. indicated its policy of not changing the prices of Brunswick products even amidst economic adjustments. The company stated that it would not abruptly cut prices despite falling raw material and labor costs, but would maintain product value through improvements and added value, emphasizing its commitment to preventing depreciation of inventory in circulation. In that month, the company prioritized maintaining dealer confidence over price competition.

Berliner

Regarding the Canadian company Berliner Gramophone Co., Ltd., it has been reported that on February 5, 1921, employees in Montreal listened to a radio transmission of music. A Victrola was used on the transmitting end, and a performance from His Master's Voice was reportedly played. The same article also mentions that recording personnel who had returned from London had joined the company's recording laboratory, and that the first recording of a new Montreal chamber music group was scheduled for release soon, indicating that recording, sales, and radio demonstrations were drawing near.

Victor-affiliated sales companies

While not a direct article from Victor Talking Machine Co., contemporary documents from February 1921 mention the activities of several major distributors. Knickerbocker Talking Machine Co. held a preview listening session for dealers in New York on February 2nd, introducing Victor records scheduled for release in March. Louis Buehn Co. also held dealer meetings in Philadelphia on February 3rd and 7th to discuss supply improvements and sales expansion. Victor-related activities that month focused on introducing new releases and revitalizing their sales network, primarily through wholesalers.

OK

At the Okeh Records label of General Phonograph Corp., prices for all popular records except those by Mamie Smith (1883–1946) were reduced from $1 to 85 cents starting February 1, 1921. Furthermore, industry articles from the same month reported that orders for Mamie Smith records were pouring in from all over, indicating that demand was expanding more than expected. February 1921 at Okeh is an example of how price revisions and the expansion of sales of Black popular music were happening simultaneously.

Vocalion

In February 1921, The Aeolian Company established Southern Vocalion Distributors, Inc. in Birmingham as a distribution company for the Southern market. This company was responsible for distributing Vocalion machines, Vocalion records, and Melody Music Rolls, indicating that the company was strengthening its distribution network in the South. This is a clearly verifiable example of a sales channel reorganization within the company's activities during that month.

putty

Regarding Pathé Frères Phonograph Co., contemporary articles from February 1921 report on sales meetings in New England and dealer conventions in the Buffalo area. In particular, on February 21st, approximately 150 Pathé dealers in the area gathered to discuss sales promotion plans. This suggests that in February 1921, the company was focusing on sales promotion and conference management that mobilized its regional sales network.

Sonora

Regarding Sonora Phonograph Co., a February 1921 industry magazine reported that the number of Sonora retailers in Kentucky had reached 40, and that G. Fox & Co. in Hartford had become a new retailer. Although not a large-scale nationwide initiative, it is clearly an example of sales network expansion in the records for that month. In February 1921, Sonora was aiming to penetrate the market by expanding its regional retail network.

Emerson

Regarding Emerson Phonograph Co., it was reported in early February 1921 that their sales manager was scheduled to travel to the western market for meetings with distributors in various locations. Due to the nature of the article, it is not possible to confirm from the source what concrete results were achieved that month, but it can be confirmed that the company was at least working to rebuild its western distribution network and strengthen its sales by February.

January 1921

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March 1921