I am pretty much an inveterate reader of newspapers. Recently, I saw a small notice of what I consider a rather remarkable event. A researcher discovered and "decoded" a cache of old Edison wax cylinders which an Edison representative (Adelbert Wangerman) had recorded in Europe in 1889. The two voices that are of greatest interest are those of the "Iron Chancellor" (Otto von Bismarck) and Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke. Moltke was 89 when he made his recording. Thus from a purist standpoint, his is the only recording of a voice from someone who was born in the 18th century!
You can read of this interesting tale and hear the rather scratchy Bismarck recording at http://www.thespec.com/feature/article/664757--listen-historic-recording-of-otto-von-bismarck. The Moltke recording, which to my ears is less scratchy, can be heard at http://www.nps.gov/edis/photosmultimedia/audio-wangemann-1889-1890-european-recordings.htm.
If so inclined, take a break and enjoy these remarkable historical finds.
(From Berkeley :>)
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