The Gramophone Discs and Papers of the EMI Archive Trust, 1897-1914

The Gramophone discs and papers of the EMI Archive Trust 1897 – 1914 form an unparalleled collection in terms of scale, scope, richness and cultural depth, offering a substantial record of the world’s first reflection of itself in recorded sound, not only exemplifying culture as it sounded, but culture as it was listened to. The collection consists of approximately 116,000 virtually pristine sound recordings and over 100 metres of supporting paper assets documenting the birth of the global recording industry, and the technical innovation that set the template for the industry’s rapid expansion. The recordings encompass classical and popular music repertoires, urban and rural traditions as well as spoken word material. While the bulk of the material was recorded throughout Western and Central Europe, over 20,000 recordings document contemporary culture in the Arab States, Asia and Eastern Europe. They represent many cultures and groups not otherwise well documented, often prior to significant upheaval, including industrialisation, repression or genocide.