Early Christmas Music

Note About This Page - This page is from an archive of George Nelson's online "Antique Christmas Light Museum" as it existed in 2006. As far as we can tell, George put this page up, then took it down a few months later, and it may never have been working quite the way he wanted. The version you see here is an "archaeological" reconstruction, patching together graphics and mp3 files from multiple sources to reconstruct the 2006 version as accurately as possible. We also know that at one time there was a second page, but we have not been able to reconstruct that one. Nor do we really need to - almost all of the songs from the 2006 version are included in the larger 2008 version of this page.

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!

	"Santa Claus Song," recorded in 1902. This extremely rare cylinder is the oldest in the collection and therefore is in poor condition, but still listenable. This was a "novelty" song intended for children, and if you listen carefully, you'll hear several interesting sound effects. CLICK HERE
	"Star, beautiful Star," recorded in 1905. CLICK HERE
	"Joy to the World," recorded in 1906 CLICK HERE
	"O Tannenbaum," recorded in 1907  CLICK HERE
	"Christ is Come," recorded in 1908 CLICK HERE
	"Angels from the Realms of Glory," recorded in 1909 CLICK HERE
	"Auld Lang Syne," recorded in 1910 CLICK HERE
	"Silent Night" (Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht) recorded in 1912 CLICK HERE
Special Note: This version of Silent Night is somewhat different from the version popularly known today. Sung in German, this version translates as follows: 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. 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!	"Silent Night" (Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht) recorded in 1912 in German by Ernestine Schumann-Heink on a 12 inch one-sided Victor disk CLICK HERE (Volume is low on this recording-you might have to turn your system's volume control up to hear properly.)
	"Hail, Hail Day of Days," recorded in 1913 CLICK HERE
	"The Bells of Christmas," recorded in 1913 CLICK HERE
	"The Night Before Christmas," recorded in 1914 CLICK HERE

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