Research Catalog

Ralph F. Phillips Collection of Wagner-Nichols discs.

Title
Ralph F. Phillips Collection of Wagner-Nichols discs.
Author
Phillips, Ralph F.
Publication
1947-1960.

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6 Items

StatusVol/DateFormatAccessCall NumberItem Location
Box 6AudioSupervised use *L (Special) 90-31 Box 6Check with Staff
Box 5AudioBy appointment only *L (Special) 90-31 Box 5Check with Staff
Box 4AudioBy appointment only *L (Special) 90-31 Box 4Check with Staff
Box 3AudioBy appointment only *L (Special) 90-31 Box 3Check with Staff
Box 2AudioBy appointment only *L (Special) 90-31 Box 2Check with Staff
Box 1AudioBy appointment only *L (Special) 90-31 Box 1Check with Staff

Details

Additional Authors
  • Cowell, Henry, 1897-1965
  • Bernstein, Leonard, 1918-1990
  • Schoenberg, Arnold, 1874-1951
  • Randolph, David
  • Stravinsky, Igor, 1882-1971
  • Gudenrath, William
  • WQXR Orchestra, performer. https://id.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39QH7Jmp83vkWcwQxMRR3kpJt
  • New York Philharmonic, performer. https://id.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39QH7Jmtf7X8fX7p8bwTg84Y6
  • National Association for American Composers and Conductors, performer. https://id.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39QH7Jmp9FVDFPD3yVj7xbqGR
  • Metropolitan Opera (New York, N.Y.), performer.
Description
2958 sound discs : analog; 4-6 inches
Alternative Title
Wagner-Nichols discs
Subjects
Genre/Form
  • Operas.
  • Classical music radio programs.
  • Personal recordings.
Note
  • Disc speed varies from 16 and 33 1/3 rpm. Discs with matrix prefix "S" run at 16 rpm.
Biography (note)
  • The Wagner-Nichols recorder was invented by sound engineer August Nichols and Buddy Wagner, a saxophonist who performed with singer and actor Rudy Vallee.
  • The Wagner-Nichols Corporation was the subject of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc., and Columbia Records, Inc., v. Wagner-Nichols Recorder Corporation lawsuit, which took place on October 18, 1950 in the New York Supreme Court.
Provenance (note)
  • Donated by Bill Gudenrath.
Call Number
*L (Special) 90-31
OCLC
1451464878
Author
Phillips, Ralph F., recordist.
Title
Ralph F. Phillips Collection of Wagner-Nichols discs.
Production
1947-1960.
Type of Content
performed music
Type of Medium
unmediated
Type of Carrier
audio disc
Biography
The Wagner-Nichols recorder was invented by sound engineer August Nichols and Buddy Wagner, a saxophonist who performed with singer and actor Rudy Vallee. The recorder embossed, rather than cut, about a half-hour of sound onto flexible vinylite discs of various sizes between four and six inches, which could be played back using the same needle. Made available to consumers in 1947, the company also advertised an "off-the-air" recording service, allowing customers to order and obtain recordings of select radio programs.
The Wagner-Nichols Corporation was the subject of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc., and Columbia Records, Inc., v. Wagner-Nichols Recorder Corporation lawsuit, which took place on October 18, 1950 in the New York Supreme Court. Wagner-Nichols had recorded several Saturday matinee broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera by ABC (then WJZ) and advertised the distribution of these "off-air" recordings. The court ultimately ruled against Wagner-Nichols, setting a precedent for future cases concerning unfair competition and piracy by record companies.
Provenance
Donated by Bill Gudenrath.
Added Author
Cowell, Henry, 1897-1965, composer.
Bernstein, Leonard, 1918-1990, composer.
Schoenberg, Arnold, 1874-1951, composer.
Randolph, David, host.
Stravinsky, Igor, 1882-1971, composer, conductor.
Gudenrath, William, donor.
WQXR Orchestra, performer.
New York Philharmonic, performer.
National Association for American Composers and Conductors, performer.
Metropolitan Opera (New York, N.Y.), performer.
Research Call Number
*L (Special) 90-31
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