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Vintage
Christmas Recordings: |
A
Sampling of some early
Christmas Music
Another
of this collector's hobbies is the collecting and restoration of old
phonographs. Presented on this page for your enjoyment is a sampling of
some vintage cylinder records featuring early Christmas music. These
records were played
on a 1908 Edison Home cylinder player, while being recorded by computer in
MP3 format. The vintage cylinders were produced in the Edison laboratories
acoustically, and were recorded without the use of any electricity.
It amazes this collector that these recordings are still playable after
all these years.
Most computers already have MP3 player
capability installed, but if not, you can play these recordings on Windows
Media Player. Click the link below to download it. Enjoy these charming
sounds of the past!
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*Special
Note: These versions of the classic "Silent Night" are somewhat different
from the wording that is used today.
The German version translates as follows: |
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Silent Night, Hallowed Night
All Asleep, nowhere light,
Save where watches the Holy Pair
Blessed Infant, so pure and fair.
Slumber in heav'nly repose,
Slumber in heav'nly repose.
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Silent Night, hallowed night.
Shepherds tell thy delight.
Tidings borne by the angel band
Far and wide ring thro' the land
Jesus our Savior is born,
Jesus our savior is born! |
Another way that our Grandparents enjoyed music at Christmas was
through the wonderful sounds generated by imported German Christmas
Tree stands. Available in many styles from simple to elaborately
electrified, these stands are true treasures today. The most common
stands were spring wound, and had controlling levers at the base.
These levers allowed the music to play, the tree holder to rotate,
or both. This modest stand, intended for a small table top or
feather tree, has recently joined the collection. It is unusual in
that it is wound by the use of a bar underneath the tree holder.
Most other stands this collector has seen are wound by using a key,
which doubles as a tool to tighten the three bolts which secure the
tree in place. The lovely stand plays "Silent Night" as the tree
quietly rotates.
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CLICK HERE to
listen
to the charming music
this stand produces. |
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