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By Recorded Sound Archives, October 1, 2024 6:46 pm

As we enter the sacred period of the High Holy Days, music plays a profound role in shaping the spiritual atmosphere of the synagogue. The awe-inspiring melodies of this season are steeped in centuries of tradition, prayer, and devotion. Within the Recorded Sound Archives, we are fortunate to preserve recordings from some of the most influential Great Synagogue composers whose music continues to move hearts and elevate prayers.

This post honors five legendary cantors and composers who shaped synagogue music as we know it today: Manfred Lewandowski, Herman Fleischmann, Gerson Sirota, Salomon Pinkasovitch, and Joseph Borin. Their compositions and vocal interpretations bring the timeless prayers of the High Holy Days to life, offering both a deep connection to Jewish heritage and an enriching spiritual experience.

Music for the High Holy Days: Honoring Great Synagogue Composers

1. Kol Nidre by Manfred Lewandowski
2. Uvashofar Godol by Herman Fleischmann
3. Verseorev by Gershon Sirota
4. Brosh Hashono by Salomon Pinkasovitch
5. Oleinu by Joseph Borin

Discover the Beauty of High Holy Day Music in the RSA

Each of these composers has left an indelible mark on Jewish liturgical music, and their recordings continue to inspire new generations of listeners and worshippers. Their ability to convey the spiritual gravity of the High Holy Days through music is unparalleled, and the RSA is proud to preserve these timeless works for all to experience.

We invite you to explore the recordings of these Great Synagogue composers in our collection. Whether you are seeking to enhance your personal reflection during this holy season or simply wish to connect with the rich history of Jewish sacred music, these selections offer a profound journey through tradition and prayer.

Listen to more selections from Manfred Lewandowski, Herman Fleischmann, Gershon Sirota, Salomon Pinkasovitch, and Joseph Borin in the RSA’s Recorded Sound Collection.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, September 13, 2024 3:29 pm

From September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the rich history and cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. This month offers a unique opportunity to explore the legacies of those who have shaped the vibrant music and culture we cherish today.

At the heart of this celebration is our collection of Latin American artists, capturing the voices and stories of iconic figures such as Desi Arnaz, Lola Flores, Chucho Martinez Gil, and Ernesto Lecuona. These remarkable artists influenced the world with their music and continue to inspire future generations. In the past, we’ve honored their contributions by creating stunning portraits that highlight their achievements, sharing both their sound and their legacy through art.

This year, we invite you to discover even more talented Latin American musicians who have left an indelible mark on music history. Whether you’re an educator searching for resources to enrich your classroom, or simply someone who loves celebrating these influential artists, our collection offers a unique and engaging way to explore their work.

For those who enjoy hands-on creativity, we also offer printable versions of our artist portraits, perfect for coloring. Immerse yourself in their stories as you bring these images to life with your own artistic flair.

Coloring Pages to Celebrate Hispanic heritage Month

1. Ernest Lecuona
2. Desi Arnaz
3. Lola Flores
4. Chucho Martinez Gil

Join us in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month as we explore and share the timeless works of Latin American artists through portraits in our collection. Download a portrait to color, listen to their music, and discover the incredible impact these musicians have made on history. Celebrate with us today!

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By Recorded Sound Archives, July 3, 2024 3:41 pm

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our nation’s independence, and what better way to do that than by immersing yourself in the music that has defined America’s spirit and patriotism over the years? This year, gather your family and friends and take a nostalgic journey through some classic songs from the early 1900s.

Celebrate the Fourth of July by listening to these classics

Here are seven timeless pieces that will make your Independence Day celebration extra special:

1. “The Star-Spangled Banner”
   • Our national anthem, written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, has become a symbol of American pride and resilience. Though penned in the early 19th century, it gained immense popularity and was officially recognized as the national anthem in 1931.
2. “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)”
   • Written by Samuel Francis Smith in 1831, this patriotic song has been a staple of American celebrations for nearly two centuries. Its melody is shared with the British national anthem, “God Save the Queen.”
3. “America, the Beautiful”
   • Katharine Lee Bates’ 1895 poem, set to music by Samuel A. Ward, captures the breathtaking beauty and grandeur of the American landscape. Consequently, this song has become an unofficial national hymn and is beloved by many.
4. “Stars and Stripes Forever”
   • Composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896, this iconic march is a rousing tribute to the American flag. Its lively and triumphant melody makes it a perfect piece for any patriotic celebration.
5. “God Bless America”
   • Irving Berlin wrote this heartfelt anthem in 1918, and it has since become one of the most enduring patriotic songs in American history. Its message of hope and unity resonates strongly during times of national celebration.
6. “Yankee Doodle”
   • Originally a British satire, this tune was embraced by American colonists and transformed into a song of defiance and pride during the Revolutionary War. Today, it’s a fun and spirited reminder of America’s revolutionary roots.

As you celebrate this Fourth of July, let these classic songs from the early 1900s fill the air with a sense of nostalgia and pride. Enjoy the melodies, reflect on their historical significance, and cherish the moments with your loved ones.

Happy Independence Day!

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By Recorded Sound Archives, April 16, 2024 3:54 pm

Delve into the enduring melodies of Passover traditions. As Passover approaches, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. It’s a time for reflection, celebration, and the joyous sharing of traditions with loved ones. At the Recorded Sound Archives at FAU Libraries, we invite you to embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of Passover melodies. Moreover, explore our extensive melodies of Passover collection of vintage recordings.

Our archives hold hauntingly beautiful tunes of yesteryear. They also feature lively renditions of classic Passover songs. Whether you seek the soul-stirring sounds of a cantor’s prayer or the cheerful melodies of a family Seder, we have something for you.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the melodies of Passover with recordings dating back decades. Experience the warmth and nostalgia of bygone eras. Listen to the voices of generations past. Each note carries echoes of tradition and history.

Moreover, among our collection, you’ll find a diverse array of recordings showcasing the breadth and depth of Passover music. From traditional Hebrew hymns to folk songs from around the world, each recording offers a unique perspective on this beloved holiday.

Discover the soulful ballads of renowned cantors, the spirited songs of community gatherings, and the heartwarming melodies of family celebrations. Moreover, with just a click, you can transport yourself to a different time and place. You’ll be surrounded by the music that has united generations of Passover celebrants.

Delve into Timeless Melodies of Passover

1. Kiddush for Passover by Jan Peerce
2. La Juive-o Dieu, Dieu De Nos Peres (Passover Music) by Giovanni Martinelli
3. Passover – Ehad mi yodea / Had gadya – Part 4 by Emanuel Rosenberg
4. Eliyahu Hanavi by Benjamin Maissner
5. Kil-Oy – (Passover Medley) by Samuel Malavsky

Whether you’re preparing for your own Seder or simply looking to enrich your understanding of this sacred holiday, our vintage recordings are a valuable resource. Therefore, why not take a moment to explore the melodies of Passover with us? Let the music guide you on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and connection to the timeless traditions of the Jewish people.

Join us as we celebrate the beauty and significance of Passover through the power of music. Start listening today and embark on a musical odyssey through the melodies of Passover like never before.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, January 23, 2024 3:38 pm

As we bid farewell to 2023, our journey through the sonic corridors of history has been nothing short of extraordinary. Within the hallowed halls of the sound archive, our dedicated staff has meticulously curated and digitized an array of auditory treasures, preserving the essence of bygone eras. Join us in celebrating the best of 2023 as we unveil the staff’s top digitization picks from the sound archive.

The Recorded Sound Archives digitized 271 albums and 3,159 songs in the preceding year. These digital assets were made accessible to individuals in more than 116 countries, garnering a remarkable 191,149 hits from a global audience.

As a gesture of celebration for the New Year and a warm welcome to the FAU community, we are delighted to share some standout selections that were staff favorites throughout 2023. This curated collection represents diverse musical and archival treasures, reflecting the rich and varied content housed within the FAU Libraries’ sound archive.

Staff’s Top Digitization Picks from 2023

1. Jeepers Creepers: https://rsa.fau.edu/track/47934
2. Walk Hand In Hand: https://rsa.fau.edu/track/165864
3. The rhumba boogie https://rsa.fau.edu/track/37780
4. The Toy Trumpet: https://rsa.fau.edu/track/153601
5. A Gay Ranchero : https://rsa.fau.edu/track/14756
6. Nostalgias : https://rsa.fau.edu/track/121658
7. Polka Potpourri 1. Teil : https://rsa.fau.edu/track/44440
8. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus: https://rsa.fau.edu/track/161599
9. I Love To Dance With You: https://rsa.fau.edu/track/161585
10. Carioca : https://rsa.fau.edu/track/34491
11. My Inspiration by Bob Crosby and His Orchestra, https://rsa.fau.edu/album/58288
12. Love Among the Young by Rosemary Clooney: https://rsa.fau.edu/album/13840
13. We’ll Be Together Again by Rosemary Clooney: https://rsa.fau.edu/album/13849
14. On the first warm day by Rosemary Clooney: https://rsa.fau.edu/album/13834
15. Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: https://rsa.fau.edu/album/10803
16. Bizet’s Carmen on a V-Disc:  https://rsa.fau.edu/album/53276
17. Finlandia by Sibelius: https://rsa.fau.edu/album/52997

Whether you are a researcher, music enthusiast, or simply curious about the wealth of cultural and historical recordings available, the FAU sound archive invites you to embark on a journey of exploration.

Join us in celebrating the wealth of auditory treasures preserved by the Recorded Sound Archives at FAU Libraries, and embrace the opportunity to connect with the global community of users who have discovered the richness of this unique archival resource in the realm of sound.

And let us know some of your favorite vintage artists, albums, and songs in the comments.

Due to copyright, some items may only be available as a 45-second snippet.

If you are a Researcher or Educator needing full access to these recordings, click here.

FAU Students, Faculty, and Staff can listen to recordings unrestricted by logging into the Research Station using their FAU NET ID.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, December 15, 2023 7:04 pm

The holidays usher in a wave of nostalgia and merriment, accompanied by the unmistakable tunes that define Christmas. At our workplace, we shared our love for the season by compiling a list of our top five favorite Christmas songs.

Top 5 Favorite Christmas Tunes

1. Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town by The Mitch Miller and Orchestra
2. We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The French Quarter Band
3. Did you Really See Mommy Kissing Santa by Spike Jones
4. White Christmas by Frank Sinatra
5. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey

Music has this incredible ability to evoke emotions and transport us back to cherished moments. Each team member had a unique connection to these melodies. They were making the selection process a delightful journey down memory lane.

Our picks cover many holiday sounds, from cheerful jingles that instantly set a festive tone to soulful ballads that tug at the heartstrings. We found ourselves reminiscing about childhood memories, family gatherings, and the joyous ambiance these songs have brought into our lives over the years.

It was fascinating to see the diverse range of choices that resonated with each of us. Some preferred the timeless classics that have stood the test of time. Meanwhile, others favored contemporary renditions capturing the essence of today’s celebrations and festive spirit.

Ultimately, what tied our selections together was the shared sentiment of joy, unity, and the magic that Christmas music brings. As we compiled this list, it became evident that these songs hold a special place in our hearts and play an integral role in completing our holiday season.

We invite you to join in and share your favorite holiday songs with us in the true spirit of the season. Let us know in the comments what your favorite holiday songs are.

What are your favorite Christmas songs? Feel free to share them with us, and keep spreading the season’s joy through music!

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By Recorded Sound Archives, December 7, 2023 6:57 pm

As Chanukah draws near, the air is infused with the traditions and melodies that have graced this festival for generations, resonating with the echoes of five timeless Chanukah melodies. Within FAU Libraries’ Recorded Sound Archives, our extensive collection spans decades, preserving the essence of Chanukah through a wide array of formats—cassettes, 78rpm, LPs, and CDs.

Amidst our Judaic collection resides a treasury of music embodying the spirit and significance of Chanukah. This festive season, we warmly invite you to explore five cherished Chanukah songs from our diverse archives:

Five Timeless Chanukah Melodies

1. “Maoz Tsur” by Cindy Paley
2. Discover what Chanukah was like in 1959, with this Vistas of Israel recording.
3. “Chanukah Piano Medley” by Benjamin Roth-Aroni
4. Enjoy a staff favorite “Chanukah, Chag Yaffeh Kol Kach; Hava Nadleeka; Brachot” by Gladys Gewirtz and Eve Lippman
5. Dreydle by Ariel Silber

These recordings, curated across several years, offer a glimpse into Chanukah’s musical legacy. They weave a narrative of resilience, joy, and celebration, encapsulating the essence of the Festival of Lights.

From timeless renditions of traditional hymns to soul-stirring melodies recounting Chanukah’s miraculous events. Our collection mirrors the diversity and depth of this beloved holiday.

Exploring our collections, you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of spinning dreidels, joyous celebrations. And heartfelt prayers of gratitude that define Chanukah.

Join us on this musical journey! Delving into melodies that transcend time, spreading joy and commemorating miracles that continue to illuminate Chanukah for generations. To explore our Chanukah Collection, click here. Follow us on social media and Facebook for updates on new collections and more!

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By Recorded Sound Archives, September 15, 2023 2:40 pm

This High Holy days we wanted to highlight the voice of Cantor Salomon Pinkasovitch. Born in 1886, Pinkasovitch began his hazzanic career in 1912 serving congregations in Czernowitz, Roumania and in Vienna. The recordings on this album were put together by Barry Serota of Musique Internationale. Featuring rare selections from the collections of the Benedict Stambler Memorial Archives.

Listen to the voice of Cantor Salomon Pinkasovitch

Discover the voice of Cantor Salomon Pinkasovitch this High Holy Days. Visit the Recorded Sound Archives website to listen to his album High holiday Chants. (https://rsa.fau.edu/album/43171)

Looking for more music to celebrate the High Holy Days this year? Look no further! The Recorded Sound Archives has a collection of over 40 recordings for you to choose from and share with your family.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, September 13, 2023 1:48 pm

Over the last fifteen years, we have had the opportunity to connect with musicians, educators, and researchers worldwide through the sound archive, but none captured the enthusiasm of Bob Berkman and his Player Piano.

Remembering Bob Berkman

We met Bob and his partner, David Mavis who came down from Buffalo, New York through a connection with Ben Roth our sound digitization specialist. He was invited to speak back in 2013 at a Judaic festival that was held yearly at the FAU Libraries about his work creating Piano rolls for QRS and to highlight how a player piano worked with a bit of history. I was fortunate enough to be able to record a few videos prior along with his lecture.

The one thing that has never left my mind, however, is his kindness and generosity in sharing his musical knowledge with anyone he meets. Upon our meeting, he went to work setting up his Player Piano and explaining all the pieces as we asked if we could record behind-the-scenes footage before his lecture. And with a giant smile, he went about putting together his Player Piano talking about it as he put the pieces together assessing the foot pedals and gears to make sure his piano was performance ready.

Over the years, Bob would reach out periodically asking for a recording, or if we had a copy of the video we created years ago that he could have. I never forgot his kindness and often found myself researching old newspapers for information about musicians and record labels, finding a Player Piano ad or two and compiling a file to send him which he was always glad to receive.

Unfortunately, Bob Berkman passed away this summer in July from a serious illness at the age of sixty-eight.  Here, at the Recorded Sound Archives, in celebration of National Piano Month, we would like to honor the memory of a wonderful human who shared immensely his love of music with others and all that would listen.

Below you will find a link to our website where you can listen to four albums by Bob Berkman. Along with a few short clips we recorded in 2013 during Bob’s time in Florida.

Visit our website to listen to Piano roll recordings compiled and played by Bob Berkman:

https://rsa.fau.edu/bob-berkman

Videos

Bob Berkman explains how the pianola works

Bob Berkman Sets Up the Pianola

Bob Berkman on Pianola History and Performance Excerpt.

Blog Posts

Can “Boardwalk Empire” era Jewish piano rolls still find an Audience?

Bob Berkman: Nostalgia with a Twist

If you read this post and it touched your heart, please consider donating to Buffalo String Works (Buffalostringworks.org) which is an organization creating accessible, youth-centered music education for those in the Western New York Community where Bob lived.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, June 23, 2023 6:03 pm

We’re excited to share with you our latest collection of vintage Florida recordings! If you’re looking for a way to transport yourself to the sunshine state this summer, this is the perfect opportunity. With over 13 recordings featuring the state itself and various cities within it. You’re sure to find something that captures the essence of Florida. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, these recordings will allow you to experience Florida in a whole new way. So, sit back, relax, and let the sounds of Florida transport you to a time gone by. Close your eyes and let your imagination take you on a journey through the Sunshine State. Imagine if you will the gentle rustling of palm trees, the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the chirping of tropical birds to transport you from your current location to Florida!

Relive the Golden Age of Florida Tourism Through Vintage Recordings

Here are just a few of our favorite recordings from this collection.

1. Florida by Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians
2. Tamiami Trail by Gene Austin
3. Miami Beach Rhumba by Xavier Cugat & his Orchestra; Aladdin & The Boyd Triplets
4. Miami by Al Jolson with the Carl Fenton’s Orchestra
5. Moon Over Miami by Lud Gluskin and his continental Orchestra

Check out our website to relive the golden age of Florida Tourism through vintage recordings and discover the entire collection of Florida recordings within the Recorded Sound Archives.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with what’s new at the RSA!