Chapter 5

London's British Roots

London was laid out in 1826, incorporated as a town in 1846 (population 3500), and as a city in 1855. The British regiment, garrisoned in London 1837-53 and the Regiment's band was the very first musical ensemble that the London populace (such as it was) got to enjoy.

Music played an important part in the lives of the ordinary immigrant. Because of the English / British influence wind ensembles (Brass Bands) were popular forms of entertainment. Many of these "movers and shakers" (Bandleaders and Conductors) had British backgrounds and experience. Choir masters and organists in the churches came from this representation.

Vaudeville shows (theatres) also provided an entertainment outlet. (1900 through the 20's) It was the time of theatrical presentations offering variety acts of every description. (e.g. Minstrel Shows.) The Music (1920's) was "Rag time" (an off-shoot of Dixieland) or a "Two Step" feel that flavoured the popular "dance music" at the time. The earliest band leaders were frequently violinists and in some cases pianists. Stylistically tubas were in vogue in early dance bands as the bass violin wouldn’t become preferred till later.

Early Recording session photographs (1910) show a one microphone set-up with the entire musical group crowding around (stretching forward) to be heard and be picked up by the primitive "recording" facility of the day. The quality of the recordings (on cylinders) was pretty scratchy. Later heavy discs replaced the cylinders to be played on what was called the Victrola. This was a music machine that was cranked up to operate. However, the music and voice quality sounded pretty indistinct. However, people still marveled and enjoyed this invention and its capabilities such as they were.

The instrumentation in the musical groups on these recordings was dictated by what instrument had the best projecting sound quality. (This is why we see a lot of tubas with bells forward on these sessions.)

Historical Violins used in very early recordings: A type of violin "Phonofiddle", developed by Augustus Stroh (1828-1914), c 1900, was sometimes used for early recordings. The "Phonofiddle" looked partially like a violin but with a trumpet-styled bell attached. It was a strange looking instrument but seemed to solve the projection problem of a regular violin. It can be assumed that violin-purists didn’t care to play on this awkward monstrosity.