O/T Velvet revolution in Czechoslovakia

[Valecnik]

Tomorrow Tuesday Nov. 17th marks the 20th anniversary of the beginning of the velvet revolution which within the next few weeks brought about the collapse of communism in Czechoslovakia. It started with many thousands of students marching on the center of Prague. I won't attempt a history lesson here but rather would prefer to post a video played by a Czech band leader, Bohumir Kryl and his band on an early blue Amberol. Kmoch, the composer is also Czech, noted as being a native of Hungary on the original Edison record slip. This is not correct. Probably the Edison folks at the time did not really distinguish much between Austria, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia which were all part of the Austro-Hungarian empire when this was recorded.


The original record slip included with the record reads as follows:

BOHUMIR KRYL and his band are well known throughout the United States, particularly in the Middle West, and the numerous concerts of this organization are always well attended by music lovers. "At the Mill March" is a typical Bohemian selection. In this arrangement the clarinets are featured and the effect is both unusual and pleasing. Fr. Kmoch, it's composer, is a native of Hungary. Other notable selections he has written include "Einzug des Konigs," Hauptman V. Kopenick Marsch,|" "Lvi Silou, pochod Sokolm" and "Rozkosna, polka trasak."

[youtubehq]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCbXyqXb-Uc[/youtubehq]

[Steve]

That's a great piece, Bruce.

I must say you do also appear to have a very tidy room! The machine sounds fantastic too; that's the first cylinder phonograph I've ever heard that sounds as though it's in 100% perfect working order.

I can't believe it's 20 years ago that we witnessed the collapse of the USSR either. I went to Germany in early 1991 and driving through Berlin, probably saw the last remaining remnants of the wall before it was all demolished and cleared. It didn't take very long. I also have vivid memories of being on the former Eastern side and enjoying a beer in a 'spit and sawdust' establishment where the alcohol was rather cheap, to say the least!

I wonder by what percentage their prices have increased to date?

[Valecnik]

That's a great piece, Bruce.

I must say you do also appear to have a very tidy room! The machine sounds fantastic too; that's the first cylinder phonograph I've ever heard that sounds as though it's in 100% perfect working order.

I can't believe it's 20 years ago that we witnessed the collapse of the USSR either. I went to Germany in early 1991 and driving through Berlin, probably saw the last remaining remnants of the wall before it was all demolished and cleared. It didn't take very long. I also have vivid memories of being on the former Eastern side and enjoying a beer in a 'spit and sawdust' establishment where the alcohol was rather cheap, to say the least!

I wonder by what percentage their prices have increased to date?

Tidy room??? I just pushed everything to the sides of the room. As long as I did not pan the camera down it's not so visible but there's basically a path from the door to the phono in hte opposite corner.

Regarding the price of beer... well that's probably the one disappointment. In 1996 I could buy a ½ liter glass for ~ 08-10kc or $ .20 -.25 cents US at my local pub. Now it's over a dollar and a half! Prices generally have gotten much higher but of course so have wages.

Regarding the cylinder phono being in 100% working order, the below link is another example I posted a short time ago of one of my machines which came "over the waves". I think this actually sounds better than the triumph. I posted a few more on properly tuned diamond disc machines this week in the music section too if you are interested and have not seen them. Enjoy... http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=2&t=3131

[Guest]

Thanks for posing a wonderful transfer of a fine recording.

Have you other stuff of this nature? I have always been particularly fond of Alois Tichy, Vaclav Albrecht and his various groups,
Herman's band of Prague, and the various Lindstrom company house bands, particularly those of the "Village Band" variety.

When I see a green label Columbia or an orange Odeon my heart speeds up a bit. I won't say what happens when a Rena disc turns up!

[Valecnik]

Thanks for posing a wonderful transfer of a fine recording.

Have you other stuff of this nature? I have always been particularly fond of Alois Tichy, Vaclav Albrecht and his various groups,
Herman's band of Prague, and the various Lindstrom company house bands, particularly those of the "Village Band" variety.

When I see a green label Columbia or an orange Odeon my heart speeds up a bit. I won't say what happens when a Rena disc turns up!

Hi Guest,

I do not have a lot of Czech material of this nature but have posted other such things mostly of American origin on Youtube. My youtube channel is http://www.youtube.com/user/Cylinderphonograph.

[MordEth]

My youtube channel is http://www.youtube.com/user/Cylinderphonograph.

Bruce,

You’re now in the TMF YouTube listings. I’ll have to hop on YouTube and subscribe you/check out your channel, once I catch up on a few other things. (Work has been keeping me quite busy as the holidays approach.)

Ironically (with your channel name), alphabetical order puts you right above Norman, another cylinder fan.

It’s certainly nice how many people manage to use YouTube and other sites to share their music.

I’d definitely be interested in hearing any Czech recordings you have—I cannot say that I am really familiar with any Czechoslovakian music.

— MordEth