»Kostbar[,] unersetzlich, Platte!«

Zum Bestand historischer Tonträger in der Alban Berg Stiftung

Abstract

The article explores the historical recordings in the Alban Berg Foundation, which are divided into three collections: rare recordings of works from the Viennese School, a collection of shellac records with opera and light music and post-war recordings of Berg's works. The focus is on the unique sound documents from Schönberg's and Berg's circle, including a greeting record by Schönberg for Berg's 50th birthday and a recording of the Lyric Suite by Rudolf Kolisch. The study sheds light on Berg's interest in technology and media, his correspondence about records and the role of these recordings in the history of reception. The recently digitized documents offer new insights into the performance practice of the Viennese School.