I thought this article about opera music recordings from Paris in the early 20th century was so interesting, but lately anything slightly romantic or pretty or mysterious that has to do with our most recently completed century fascinates me. I'm not completely sure why. Maybe because of going to antique shops right after Christmas? Maybe because of the Vintage photo shoot we did last month? Maybe because every reference to our current economy slips in something about the Great Depression? Maybe because I have been reading Graham Greene and Rose Wilder Lane?
Anyways, if you click on the article to read it, make sure to also listen to the 3 recordings!
From a Vault in Paris, Sounds of Opera 1907
PARIS — On Dec. 24, 1907, a group of bewhiskered men gathered in the bowels of the Paris Opera to begin a project that by definition they could never see to fruition. First, 24 carefully wrapped wax records were placed inside two lead and iron containers. These were then sealed and locked in a small storage room with instructions that they should remain undisturbed for 100 years.
image from the article
