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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!

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By Recorded Sound Archives, March 29, 2023 4:36 pm

Happy World Piano Day! Piano Day is held on the 88th day of the year in celebration of and reference to the 88 keys on a standard piano. This idea was created by the German pianist and composer Nils Frahm in 2015 “because it doesn’t hurt to celebrate the piano and everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers and most important, the listener”.

Discover the Piano and Musicians for World Piano Day!

In celebration, here at the Recorded Sound Archives we wanted to share a few videos that we’ve created over the years that showcase the piano and all of its marvelous wonders along with pianists you should know. Enjoy!

Bob Berkman Explains How the Pianola Works

Learn more from one of our featured performers Bob Berkman about how the Pianola Works.

Ben Roth-Aroni Showcasing his Player Piano

Do you think player pianos are a thing of the past? Join Ben Roth-Aroni as he shares some new and old tunes on his player piano at home during National Piano month in September!

Ben Roth-Aroni Shares Piano Rolls

In this playlist, discover different piano rolls played by Ben Roth and learn a little bit of history.

Here are Seven Other Pianists You should Know

1. Fats Waller
2. Bob Zurke
3. Sergei Rachmaninoff
4. Irving Fields
5. Duke Ellington
6. Count Basie
7. Pete Johnson

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By Recorded Sound Archives, March 24, 2023 6:54 pm

Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to the world of music. From the medieval period to the present day,female musicians have overcome social and cultural barriers to become successful composers, performers, and music educators.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, RSA staff has put together seven women musicians you should know.

1. Ella Fitzgerald
2. Sarah Vaughan
3. Babe Zaharias
4. Shoshana Damari
5. Dinah Washington
6. Carmen Miranda
7. Doris Day

Discover more women musicians within the Recorded Sound Archives by visiting our Women Musicians through time collection.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, January 13, 2023 3:57 pm

Did you know that FAU Libraries has a sound archive which you can access and listen to recordings for research from the comforts of your own home?  

Last year, the Recorded Sound Archives digitized 710 albums along with 7,421 songs for those to access reaching over 126 countries, and receiving 141,270 hits from all over the world.

As a New Year’s gift and a welcome to the FAU community we wanted to share a few staff favorites from 2022.

Discover Staff Favorites from 2022

1. Sweet and Low by Amparita Farrar
2. Songs of the Auvergne by Madeline Grey
3. Chopin: The Twenty-Four Preludes by Alfred Cortot
4. Goofus by Phil Harris
5. Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now by Patience and Prudence; Mark McIntyre Orchestra
6. Cuidadito Compay Gallo by Henry King and his Orchestra
7. You Sing That Song to Somebody Else by Henry Archer and his Orchestra
8. A Good Man is Hard to Find by Bessie Smith
9. Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’ by Frank Sinatra
10. If you were my Girl by Perry Como

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

Please note, due to copyright some items may only be available as a 45 second snippet.

If you are a Researcher or Educator in need of 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, September 19, 2022 3:50 pm

As part of Banned Books week here at FAU Libraries, we wanted to share Party Records. Learn more about these records and why they were made in the video below.

Here at the Recorded Sound Archives , we have one Party record which you can listen to on our website to get a taste of what was deemed obscene at the time.

To listen to this recording visit: https://rsa.fau.edu/album/56743

And let us know in the comments, what are some other banned recordings we should talk about?

Please note, due to copyright some items may only be available as a 45 second snippet.

If you are a Researcher or Educator in need of 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, August 31, 2022 8:04 pm

Discover RSA staff picks, as summer comes to an end and the fall semester is in full swing this week at FAU Libraries, we thought we’d share RSA Staff Picks: Our Summer ’22 Favorites.

Staff Picks: Our Summer ’22 Favorites

1. There’ll be some change made by Mildred Bailey
2. If you were but a dream by Frank Sinatra
3. Somebody loves me by Bing Crosby
4. Marianne & Goodbye Chiquita by Terry Glikyson and the Easy Riders
5. Tweedle Dee by Frank Messina and the Mavericks
6. Isle of Capri by Irving Fazolas Dixielanders & other artists
7. Ugly Woman by De Paurs Infantry Chorus
8. The Yellow Roses of Texas by Johnny Desmond
9. Clementine by John Scott Trotter and his Orchestra & other artists
10. The Morningside of the Mountain by Hugo Winterhalther and his Orchestra
11. Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini, Op. 32 by Boston Symphony Orchestra
12. Richard Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks by Boston Symphony Orchestra
13. Mozart: “Jupiter” Symphony No.41 in C, K. 551 by Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra
14. Take Me In Your Arms and Hold Me by Les Paul & Mary Ford
15. When Your Lips Met Mine by Horace Heidt and his Musical Knights

And let us know in the comments, what are some of your favorite songs you discovered this past summer?

Please note, due to copyright some items may only be available as a 45 second snippet.

If you are a Researcher or Educator in need of 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.