A Fonotipia - "in the wild"!

[52089]

I've had a dozen or two Fonotipia records over the years, but all came to me from collectors. Yesterday I was in a local thrift store and found a couple of vintage 12" albums. The first one was just boring classical and semi classical, like The Lost Chord sort of thing. The very last record in the album was a Fonotipia, something I really never expected to find "in the wild".

This particular example was pressed in the USA by Columbia and features a duet from Aida sung by Frascani and Zenatello, and the opening chorus from La Favorita. Pics attached. It's not a particularly rare record, but Fonotipias are always worthwhile. Search the board for " Fonotipia" for more information.

Note that the signatures on the label are just rubber stamps. These were intended to show artist approval of the release.

[Roaring20s]

I don't recall coming across one.

Here's the audio for your Aida side.
https://archive.org/details/giovanni-ze ... 7-et-39528

A few years ago, I was very pleased to find in the wild this a cappella on Lumen.
This is in the top ten of my classical discs.
https://archive.org/details/78_agniaus- ... ia0289066a

James.

[epigramophone]

From 1908 to 1910 Columbia held the rights to press and issue Fonotipia's operatic recordings in the USA.

[edisonplayer]

I found a 12 inch Fonotipia in my town antique center. And I got a couple of others at a garage sale several years ago. edisonplayer.

[52089]

From 1908 to 1910 Columbia held the rights to press and issue Fonotipia's operatic recordings in the USA.

Yes, and Okeh also pressed them for a while, but those aren't seen as much as the Columbias.