A Most Valuable Medium: The Remediation of Oral Performance on Early Commercial Recordings

Between 1895 and 1920, the United States experienced a significant increase in commercial sound recording, which became the first mass medium of home entertainment. Richard Bauman's book, "A Most Valuable Medium," explores the challenges and responses of producers and performers when adapting oral genres to this new medium, highlighting how it transformed the way we receive information.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Between 1895 and 1920, the United States experienced a remarkable surge in commercial sound recording, heralding the birth of the first mass medium of home entertainment. As companies ventured into the realm of recording, they sought to understand what types of records would captivate consumers. Recognizing the appeal of performance genres that were already familiar to contemporary audiences, they turned to sales pitches,oratory, sermons, and stories. In his book, A Most Valuable Medium, Richard Bauman delves into the practical challenges faced by producers and performers as they adapted these oral genres to the new medium of sound recording. He also examines how audiences reacted to these modified and commoditized presentations.

Throughout the book, audio examples are provided to illustrate the key points and offer a unique perspective on the early history of sound recording. A Most Valuable Medium sheds light on how this groundbreaking technology transformed the way we receive and consume information, shaping the entertainment industry and influencing cultural norms for generations to come.

This period marked a significant milestone in the evolution of media and communication, as sound recording paved the way for the widespread distribution and consumption of recorded music, radio broadcasts, and other audio content. It also played a crucial role in the development of recording technology, leading to advancements in sound quality, recording techniques, and the establishment of recording studios and industries.

In conclusion, A Most Valuable Medium is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of sound recording, media, and entertainment. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities faced by producers, performers, and audiences during this pivotal period, shedding light on the ways in which sound recording transformed the way we communicate and experience entertainment.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253065186