BERLINER SYRIA LAMONTE Coming through the Rye 1898

£ 102

$ 135

£ 102 Sold For

Dec 11, 2010 Sold Date

Dec 6, 2010 Start Date

£ 45 Start price

7 Number Of Bids

Great Britain Country Of Seller

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Description

Here's a Historic Rarity.

This record was for many years thought to be the first ever disc recording in the UK

The reason that this Syria Lamonte disc was thought to be the first was because of a recollection made by Fred Gaisberg at the age of 76 in 1949 when shown a copy of the recording 'Comin thro the Rye" by Brian Rust the discographer. He said: 'I remember Syria Lamonte. She was an entertainer: I suppose she must have served drinks in Rules, the pub next door to the first recording studio in Maiden lane. She was the first artist I recorded. She had a big voice and that was what we wanted', When the Brian Rust suggested that she had a big voice from having to make it heard above the noise in the bar, Gaisberg replied: "yes, that's probably right. I know she used to sing for the customers there that's how I found her". More info in the book Sound Revolutions by Jerold Northrop Moore

The "label" of the disc clearly shows the figures 8-2-98 which would seem to indicate 2 August 1898 (in American date form).

Later research on the earliest London recordings suggests that the very first session was almost certainly on the 8th August 1898, and the Syria Lamonte's recordings were probably not made until the very end of August or the first few days of September, and the most likely date for 'Comin' thro the Rye' is now thought to be the 2nd September 1898.

Because of all this controversy, this record now forms a unique part of gramophone history.

All Berliner discs are rare but not necessarily desirable or interesting. This one has all these attributes.

The condition of the disc is quite good for a Berliner. There is a tiny groove jump at the start but after this the disc plays through quite clearly.

Item will be securely packed and sent by insured and signed for delivery.

Any questions please ask.