[BITList] Robert Browning Recites His Poem (1889 Edison Cylinder)

[John Feltham]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYot5-WuAjE&playnext_from=TL&videos=M7P6vBOCHH0&feature=grec_index 


This is one of the most important historic recording from 19th century. This 
recording contains the voice of great English poet, Robert Browning (1812 - 
1889).

It was recorded in a dinner party given by Browning's friend the artist 
Rudolf Lehmann, on May 6th, 1889.

Colonel Gouraud, the sales manager of Edison Talking machine, had brought 
with him a phonograph and each of the guests was invited to speak into it. 
Initially reluctant, Browning eventually relents and can be heard reciting 
from his poem 'How They Brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix'. 
Unfortunately, he forgets the words after a few lines, tries again and then 
gives up, but can be heard expressing his astonishment at this "wonderful 
invention".

Although the recording is very inaudible, it is still worth to hear one of 
the greatest poet of Victorian era.

Subtitles added in this video to understand the words more clearly. 






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