[Phono-L] Vienna In The Thirties

J.F. Bennett citypointsb at gmail.com
Tue Feb 12 22:23:36 PST 2008


Folks,
I've been asked an interesting question by a fellow YouTube member who's
researching a book she's writing. I have posted this question few other
places-my apologies if you seen it elsewhere as well.

"... [W]hat [would] urban, somewhat sophisticated middle-class Europeans...
have in their homes in the 1930s. Would some people have stand-alone
Victrolas and others still be hanging on to the lovely art nouveau
flower-shaped horn gramophones that came out early in the century?" What
would be the most common or average phonograph owned by an upper middle
class family or person in Europe, specifically Vienna in the thirties?

Specifically, she is looking for what music was popular in "middle-class
(Jewish) Viennese homes from about 1932-38, and even more specifically,
1935-38".

She's also asked the following-a bit off topic I know, but I thought I'd
forward it as well:

"Here's some more questions for your international circle: I know that
February was a month of many fancy dress "balls" in Vienna. I'd love to know
what music was likely to be danced to during the dates above--polkas,
waltzes, popular music? Would this be a live orchestra/band or records? And
finally, if there are any fashion folks in the know, what what people have
worn??"

Another part of her question is; would they be  winding or plugging into the
wall? I wonder if there would many wall outlets at all? (I did tell her that
the term Victrola wasn't used in Europe.)
Thank you all.


Regards,

John


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