Hear music recorded in 1860

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nitrah55 · #1 Post by **nitrah55** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:00 am

Researchers have found what is called a "phonoautograph" made in 1860. It was a graphic representation of the sound waves made when a woman sang the first 11 notes of "Au Clair de Lune." It was never intended to be played back, just used for the study of sound waves.

Scientists de-ciphered the wave pattern, and the attached story has a link where you can hear the song sung 148 years ago.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/arts/27soun.html?hp

JJ Cale · #2 Post by **JJ Cale** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:03 am

I think all my records were made on the phonoautograph. Must be why I never hit the big time. Thank God Fanny owned one of those things....

I think I wrote that song too... I smell royalties!

silvercamaro · #3 Post by **silvercamaro** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:14 am

nitrah55 wrote:Researchers have found what is called a "phonoautograph" made in 1860. It was a graphic representation of the sound waves made when a woman sang the first 11 notes of "Au Clair de Lune."

Oh, good. Now, if I'm ever on American Idol and have to sing a song from the year of my birth, I know the song to select!

starfish1113 · #4 Post by **starfish1113** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:15 am

I really expected this to be a joke.

Very fascinating!

trevor_macfee · #5 Post by **trevor_macfee** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:23 am

Very cool - thanks for posting the link!

ghostjmf · #6 Post by **ghostjmf** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 2:59 pm

Been on NPR all day, but thanks for the link.

Way to go Scott! (The French inventor, as the American decipherists familiarly refer to him).

WWTBAM Bored

Hear music recorded in 1860

Hear music recorded in 1860

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