Wikipedia:Featured sounds

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Featured sounds in Wikipedia

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The featured sounds process, which denoted what were considered to be the best sounds in Wikipedia, ceased operation in about November 2011. At that time, there were 278 featured sounds in 366 parts.

See Wikipedia:Media help for help with playing sound files on Wikipedia.

(nom) marks files nominated on Commons' Featured sounds; without (nom) it indicates it passed.

Contents

Music · Field recordings · Historical recordings · Miscellaneous

Music

By date

Organised, by date of composition or (where that is not available) date of performance. Where dating is particularly ambiguous, the date is marked with "?". Arrangements not notable in their own right are listed by date of the original co mposition.

11th century – Victimae Paschali Laudes

The 11th-century "Victimae Paschali Laudes", traditionally attributed to Wipo of Burgundy, is one of the few traditional Latin "sequences" still used by the Roman Catholic Church today.

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12th century – A chantar m'er

A 12th-century song by Comtessa Beatritz de Dia, "A Chantar" is the only existing song by a trobairitz which survives with its music.

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c.1151 – Ordo Virtutum: "O frondens virga"

From Ordo Virtutum (c.1151) by Abbess Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179). Performed by Makemi

Mediaeval period – Ave Maria

A Gregorian chant setting of Ave Maria, directed by Fr. Dariusz Smolarek SAC. Ave Maria (Hail Mary) is a traditional Roman Catholic prayer asking for the help of the Virgin Mary. It is commonly used in mass and as penance for sins.

Mediaeval period – Kyrie eleison

An example of Kyrie eleison being performed as a Gregorian chant, directed by Fr. Dariusz Smolarek SAC.

16th century – Coventry Carol

The Coventry Carol, a 16th-century English Christmas Carol, performed by the U.S. Army Band Chorus.

16th century – El Noi de la Mare

The 16th century Catalan Christmas carol "El Noi de la Mare", performed as a classical guitar instrumental by Wikipedian Jujutacular.

Late 16th century – Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

"Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming", an 1894 English translation of the 16th-century German Christmas carol, "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen". Performed by the chorus of the U.S. Army Band, c. 2010.

1574 - Het Wilhelmus

The Dutch national anthem, Het Wilhelmus, played by the United States Navy Band. The anthem itself dates back to 1568 where it was sung on official occasions and important events such as the Siege of Haarlem in 1573, the melody was first written down in 1574. The current melody was recorded by Dutch composer Adriaen Valerius in his "Nederlantsche Gedenck-clanck" in 1626. The history of the lyrics is unknown though a French translation appeared around 1582. There are legends surrounding performances of the anthem, such as in the torture of Balthasar Gérard (William of Orange's assassin) where the guards sought to overpower Gérard's screams boiling pig fat was poured over him. To which Gérard allegedly responded, "Sing! Dutch sinners! Sing! But know that soon I shall be sung of!"

1607 – L'Orfeo: Toccata

The toccata from L'Orfeo, composed by Claudio Monteverdi in 1807. Performed by Trisdee and the Bangkok Baroque Ensemble.

18th-century – Dormi, dormi, bel Bambin

Dormi, dormi, bel Bambin, a traditional Italian Christmas carol, performed by the U.S. Army Band Chorus.

18th century – A la Nanita Nana

A la Nanita Nana, a Spanish Christmas carol, performed by the U.S. Army Band Chorus in Spanish and English.

1710 – Suite du Premier Ton: V. Basse et dessus de trompette

Movement V of Suite du Premier Ton (Suite in C major) from Louis-Nicolas Clérambault's 1710 set of compositions, Livre d'Orgue, performed by Ashtar Moïra.

1738 – Serse: "Ombra mai fù"

"Ombra mai fù" (and the introductory recitative) from George Frideric Handel's Serse, as performed by Enrico Caruso in 1920.

mid-18th century – Antonio Soler's Sonata No. 84 for Organ

Antonio Soler was a Spanish composer, primarily for organ. This is his 84th sonata, performed by Wikipedian Ashtar Moïra.

1770 - La marcha real

La marcha real (The Royal March), the National Anthem of Spain, performed by the United States Navy Band. It is one of the oldest national anthems in the world as it was adopted in 1770, though, due to its age, the composer is unknown. It is also one of the few national anthems without words.

1787 – Eine kleine Nachtmusik (First Movement, Allegro)

The first movement of Mozart's Serenade No. 13.

1788 – Auld Lang Syne

Frank C. Stanley's 1910 performance of Robert Burns' Auld Lang Syne. Contains the first and last verse.

1791 - Magic Flute Overture

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Magic Flute, performed live by the 2006 Bangkok Opera

1798 – Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, I. Presto

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 7, Op. 10, No. 3, 1st movement. Performed November 2008 by Wikipedian La Pianista.

Early-19th century - "Turkey in the Straw"

"Turkey in the Straw" performed by the United States Air Force Strings, the song was popularised in the late 1820s-1830.

1800 – Le trompeur trompé: Dieu du bonheur, Dieu plein du charmes...

A polacca from Le trompeur trompé, an 1800 opéra comique by Pierre Gaveaux and François Bernard-Valville. Performed on historical instruments, with Montserrat Alavedra as Agathe.

c. 1800 – Sor Op 11 No 2

The second piece from Fernando Sor's Twelve Minuets, Opus 11, early 19th century.

1801 – Andante from The Creatures of Prometheus

From Ludwig van Beethoven ballet The Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43 – 14. Performed by Leila Storch (oboe), William McColl (basset-horn), and Anita Cummings (piano).

1806 – 32 Variations in C Minor, WoO 80

Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1806, performed by Wikipedia user La Pianista in 2010.

c. 1812 – Hail to the Chief

Four ruffles and flourishes, followed by "Hail to the Chief", traditionally played to introduce the President of the United States. Performed by the United States Army Band.

1814 – The Star-Spangled Banner

An instrumental version of The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States. Performed by the US Navy Band.

1819 – Caprice No. 24 (1819)

Kyoko Yonemoto playing Niccolò Paganini's Caprice No. 24 in A minor (publ. 1819) at the Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2009. Widely considered one of the most difficult pieces ever written for the solo violin, it requires many highly advanced techniques such as parallel octaves and rapid shifting covering many intervals, extremely fast scales and arpeggios including minor scales in thirds and tenths, left hand pizzicato, high positions, and quick string crossing.

1824 – O Tannenbaum

O Tannenbaum, an 1824 German Christmas Carol written and arranged by Ernst Anschütz, based on an old folk melody. In this recording, the first verse is performed in German and English by the U.S. Army Band Chorus.

1829 - Amazing Grace (Brass instrumental version)

Brass band instrumental version of "Amazing Grace" performed by The Ceremonial Brass: United States Air Force Band

1829 - Amazing Grace (String instrumental version)

String orchestra instrumental version of "Amazing Grace" performed by The United States Air Force Band Strolling Strings

1828 – 24 Progressive Lessons For Beginners, Op. 31 No 1.

The first piece from Fernando Sor's Opus 31, a collection of pieces for classical guitar. Recording by Wikipedian Jujutacular.

1829 - Amazing Grace (String instrumental version)

String orchestra instrumental version of "Amazing Grace" performed by The United States Air Force Band Strolling Strings

1838 - "Oh! Susanna"

Stephen Foster's "Oh! Susanna" is performed by the United States Navy Band.

1839 - Scherzo No. 3

Composed by Frédéric Chopin in 1839, performed by Wikipedia user La Pianista in 2010

1839 - Joy to the World

Joy to the World played on piano by User:Orthologist

1839 - Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49 and the finale

Alisa Weilerstein, Awadagin Pratt and Joshua Bell perform Felix Mendelssohn's 1839 Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49 and the finale, Allegro assai appassionato at the White House Evening of Classical Music on November 4, 2009.

composed 1848–54, published 1855 - Liszt - Vallée d'Obermann

Vallée d'Obermann from Années de pèlerinage, S.160, by Franz Liszt, published in 1855, performed by La Pianista in 2011.

1848 – Radetzky March

Johann Strauss I's magnum opus, the Radetzky March, performed in a military band arrangement by the United States Marine Corps Band.

c. 1850 – Here We Come A-wassailing

Here We Come A-wassailing, a nineteenth-century English Christmas carol, performed by the U.S. Army Band Chorus.

1851 – Rigoletto: "Bella figlia dell'amore"

From Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto. This 1907 Victor Records recording starred Enrico Caruso, Bessie Abott, Louise Homer and Antonio Scotti.

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1853 – Il trovatore: "Stride la vampa"

From Act II of Giuseppe Verdi's Il trovatore. Sung by Gabriella Besanzoni in 1920.

1853 - Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera

"Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera" (Costa Rica National Anthem) performed by the United States Navy Band

1855 – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, an English Christmas Carol by Charles Wesley, George Whitfield, Felix Mendelssohn, William H. Cummings, et al. Performed by the U.S. Army Band Chorus.

1856 – Battle Hymn of the Republic

The Battle Hymn of the Republic; lyrics by Julia Ward Howe set to a c. 1855 tune by William Steffe. Performed by Frank C. Stanley, Elise Stevenson, and a mixed quartet in 1908.

1856 - Himno Nacional de El Salvador

"Himno Nacional de El Salvador" (El Salvador National Anthem) performed by the United States Navy Band

1859 – Un ballo in maschera: È scherzo od è follia

Enrico Caruso, Frieda Hempel, Maria Duchêne, Andrés de Segurola, and Léon Rothier perform "È scherzo od è follia" from Giuseppe Verdi's Un ballo in maschera (1859), in this 1915 Victor Recording.

1859 – Faust: "O merveille! ... A moi les plaisirs"

The Act I finale of Charles Gounod's Faust (1859), sung by Enrico Caruso and Marcel Journet in 1910.

1861 – Washington Grays

Claudio S. Grafulla's American Civil War march, Washington Grays, performed by the United States Air Force Concert Band in 1998.

1861 – "Ave Maria"

The second of Anton Bruckner's three arrangements of "Ave Maria" performed by the United States Navy Band's Sea Chanters ensemble.

1862 – Brass band arrangement of the Hunters' Chorus from The Lily of Killarney

Brass band arrangement of the Hunters' Chorus from The Lily of Killarney using period instruments. During the 19th century, brass bands began to spring up throughout Europe and America. Popular music, including operas, were arranged for them by composers and music sellers eager to cash in on the free advertising they provided.

1862 – La forza del destino: "Nè gustare m'è dato un'ora..."

From Giuseppe Verdi's La forza del destino, Act III, Scene 3. Sung by Enrico Caruso and Giuseppe de Luca.

1862 – Taps (bugle call)

Taps played on the bugle by a member of the U.S. Army Band. It is played by the U.S. military nightly to indicate that it is "lights out". The song also accompanies funeral processions at Arlington National Cemetery.

1868 – Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: "Morgenlich leuchtend im rosigen Schein"

Leo Slezak's 1910 Edison Records recording of Walther's Prize Song from Richard Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.

1869 – Inno e Marcia Pontificale

"Papal Anthem and March," the national anthem of Vatican City; composed by Charles Gounod. Performance by the United States Navy Band.

1870 – Le régiment de Sambre et Meuse

An 1870 French military march about the Army of Sambre-et-Meuse by Robert Planquette and Paul Cézano. Sung by Pierre d'Assy in 1905.

1870 – Die Walküre: Ride of the Valkyries

The Ride of the Valkyries from Richard Wagner's Die Walküre. Performed by the American Symphony Orchestra for Edison Records in 1921.

1870 – Overture di Ballo

Overture di Ballo, which predates all of Arthur Sullivan's collaborations with W. S. Gilbert, is regarded as Sullivan most successful orchestral work. This is a military band arrangement, performed by the U.S. Marine Band.

1875 – Carmen: Chanson du toréador

Pasquale Amato's 1911 rendition of the Toréador's song from Georges Bizet's Carmen (1875).

c. 1875 – Il est né, le divin Enfant

Il est né, le divin Enfant, a French Christmas carol, Performed by the U.S. Army Band Chorus in a bilingual French-and-English version.

1876 – God Defend New Zealand

God Defend New Zealand, a national anthem of New Zealand. Music composed in 1876 by John Joseph Woods to accompany a contemporary poem by Thomas Bracken. Instrumental version performed by the US Navy Band

1877 - Myrrha Gavotte

Sousa composed the piece in 1877 and it was quickly transferred to piano arrangement and the sheet music sold. Adam Cuerden composed the midi file playback from the Library of Congress copy of the sheet music.

1877 – The Lost Chord

A 1913 recording of "The Lost Chord" sung by Reed Miller. The lyrics are by Christian mystic poet Adelaide Anne Procter, and were set to music by Arthur Sullivan at the bedside of his dying brother, Fred Sullivan, to whom the song is dedicated. "The Lost Chord" proved immediately successful and remains one of the most enduring of Sullivan's non-operatic compositions.

1877-78 – Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4, Mvt. 4

The fourth movement of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor. Introduced to unfavourable reviews, the symphony has since become a staple of the orchestral repertoire.

1880 - United States Navy Band - O Canada

The Canadian national anthem, O Canada, played by the United States Navy Band. The song was originally commissioned by Lieutenant Governor of Quebec Théodore Robitaille for the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day ceremony, 1880. The music was written by Calixa Lavallée as a setting of a French Canadian patriotic poem composed by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The lyrics were translated to English in 1906, Robert Stanley Weir wrote another English version in 1908, which were revised twice before taking their current form in 1980.

1880 – Kimi ga Yo

1930 recording of the Japanese national anthem, Kimi ga Yo. Includes both the vocal and instrumental parts.

1881 - Bright College Years

A recording of the 2006 Yale Whiffenpoofs singing Bright College Years, Yale's unofficial alma mater

1881 – Elfentanz

Elfentanz (Dance of the Elves), Op. 39, by composer David Popper. Performed by Hans Goldstein (cello) and Mellicia Straaf (piano) in 2010.

1883 - Quisqueyanos valientes

Dominican Republic National Anthem performed by the United States Navy Band.

1884 – Manon: "Manon! avez-vous peur...On l'appelle Manon"

1912 recording by Enrico Caruso and Geraldine Farrar of a scene from Act II of Jules Massenet's Manon (1884).

1885 – Le Cid: "Pleurez, pleurez, mes yeux"

From Jules Massenet's Le Cid (1885). Sung by Marguerite Sylva in 1910 for Edison Records.

1885 – Le Cid: "O souverain, O juge, O père!"

From Jules Massenet's Le Cid (1885). Sung by Enrico Caruso in 1916 for the Victor Talking Machine Company.

1885–90 – Burleske in D minor

Burleske, by Richard Strauss, begun in 1885-86, and revised in 1890, performed in 1991 by Neal O'Doan and the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, under the conductorship of Nico Snel.

1886 – The Carnival of the Animals

A complete recording of Camille Saint-Saëns' The Carnival of the Animals (in fourteen movements) by pianists Neil and Nancy O'Doan and the Seattle Youth Symphony. Conducted by Vilem Sokol.

1886 – The Gladiator March

John Philip Sousa's first hit, The Gladiator March, performed by the U.S. Air Force Concert Band.

1887 – Otello: "Sì, pel ciel marmoreo giuro!"

A 1914 recording by Titta Ruffo and Enrico Caruso of Giuseppe Verdi's Otello.

1887 – Otello: Niun mi tema

Francesco Tamagno, the original Otello, sings "Niun mi tema" (Morte d'Otello) from Giuseppe Verdi's Otello. This 1903 recording dates from just two years before Tamagno's death.

1889 – Navarra (Danza Espagnole)

Navarra (Danza Espagnole), Op. 33, by Pablo de Sarasate. Performed by Roxana Pavel Goldstein and Elias Goldstein (violins) with the Depaul Symphony (Chicago) conducted by Cliff Colnot. Composed in 1889.

1889 – Semper Fidelis March

John Philip Sousa's Semper Fidelis March, the official march of the United States Marine Corps. Performed by the United States Marine Band in June 1909.

1890 - "Danza No. 5"

Sharon Isbin performs Enrique Granados' "Danza No. 5" at the White House Classical Music Student Workshop Concer

1890 – Cavalleria rusticana: Intermezzo Sinfonico

An orchestral piece from "Cavalleria rusticana", a one-act opera by Pietro Mascagni. Performed by the Fulda Symphonic Orchestra in 2002.

1892 – Werther: "Va! laisse couler mes larmes"

From Jules Massenet's Werther; Sung by Jeanette Ekornaasvaag.

1892 Serenade for Strings - Elgar Op. 20 mv 1

Edward Elgar's Serenade for Strings (Op. 20 mv 1), which was written for a String orchestra, is performed by the United States Army Band's United States Army Strings ensemble.

1893 – Manhattan Beach

"Manhattan Beach", a commemorative march by John Philip Sousa.

1894 – Antonín Dvořák: Ten Biblical songs (Czech: Biblické Písně), Op. 99

Antonín Dvořák's 1894 song cycle, based on selections from the Book of Psalms as translated by the Bible of Kralice.

1894 -Étude Op. 8 No. 12

Alexander Scriabin's 1894 Étude Op. 8 No. 12 performed by Awadagin Pratt at the White House Classical Music Student Workshop Concert on November 4, 2009. Clicks removed and fade out added by Major Bloodnok (talk).

1895 – King Cotton

"King Cotton", an 1895 Sousa military march.

1896 – La bohème: "O soave fanciulla"

"O soave fanciulla" from Giacomo Puccini's La bohème, sung by Enrico Caruso and Nellie Melba in 1907.

1896 – La bohème: O Mimì, tu più non torni

A 1907 recording by Enrico Caruso and Antonio Scotti of "O Mimì, tu più non torni" from Act IV of Giacomo Puccini's La bohème.

1896 – Stars and Stripes Forever (historical)

A 1909 Edison Records recording of Sousa's Band performing John Philip Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever.

1896 – Stars and Stripes Forever (modern)

A modern performance of the patriotic American march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever" by the United States Marine Band. It is widely considered to be the magnum opus of composer John Philip Sousa. By act of Congress, it is the National March of the United States of America.

1896 – Veni, Vidi, Vici

Veni, Vidi, Vici, an 1898 composition by the "New England March King" Robert Browne Hall. Performed by the United States Air Force Band.

1898 – Fantasie

Gabriel Fauré's Fantasie (1898), performed circa 1976 by Alex Murray (flute) and Martha Goldstein (piano).

1899 – Maple Leaf Rag

A piano roll recording of Maple Leaf Rag, by Scott Joplin. It was performed by Scott Joplin in 1916, as he was suffering from advanced Syphilis, and shows how the degenerative disease effected Joplin's musical ability.

1899 – Florodora: Tell me pretty maiden

The hit song from the 1899 musical Florodora, which played a major role in developing the chorus line. A c. 1908 Edison Records recording by the "Edison Sextette" (Ada Jones, George S. Lenox, Corinne Morgan, Grace Nelson, Bob Roberts and Frank C. Stanley).

1899 – Pavane pour une infante défunte

Maurice Ravel's Pavane pour une infante défunte, performed by Thérèse Dussaut.

1899 - "Hands Across the Sea"

John Philips Sousa, "Hands Across the Sea" continues to be a popular military march.

1900 – Tosca: Vissi d'arte

Emmy Destinn's 1914 recording of Vissi d'arte from Giacomo Puccini's Tosca.

c. 1900 – Antonio Pasculli – Gran Concerto

Antonio Pasculli's Gran Concerto on themes from Verdi's I Vespri Siciliani. Performed by Alex Klein, oboe, and Lisa Bergman, piano.

1901 - Sunflower Slow Drag

"Sunflower Slow Drag", which was co-written by Scott Joplin and Scott Hayden. It was Hayden's most important work. This version performed by the United States Marine Corps Band is a brass band arrangement of a piano original score.

1901 – Pour le Piano: Toccata

The toccata from Claude Debussy's Pour le piano, L.95, composed in 1901 and performed by Wikipedia user La Pianista in 2010.

1901 - Sarabande from Pour le piano

Debussy's Sarabande from Pour le piano, composed in 1901, performed by Wikipedia user La Pianista in 2011.

1902 – Lillian Russell – Come Down Ma Evenin' Star

Lillian Russell's only recording, from 1912. During the production of Twirly Whirly, composer John Stromberg delayed giving her her solo for several days, saying it wasn't ready. When he committed suicide a few days before the first rehearsal, the sheet music for "Come Down Ma Evenin' Star" was found in his pocket. It became Lillian Russell's signature song.

1902 – Sweeney's Cavalcade

William Paris Chambers's march, Sweeney's Cavalcade, performed by the U.S. Air Force Concert Band

1902 - La Bayamesa

La Bayamesa performed by the United States Navy Band. La Bayamesa is the national anthem of Cuba. It was first performed during the Battle of Bayamo in 1868 but adopted 1902. Perucho Figueredo, who took part in the battle, wrote and composed the song. Antonio Rodríguez Ferrer wrote the introductary notes for the anthem.

1903 - Ravel's String Quartet, Movement 2

Assez vif – Très rythmé, the second movement of Joseph-Maurice Ravel's String Quartet, played by the United States Army Band.

1903 - Himno Nacional de Honduras

"Himno Nacional de Honduras" (Honduras National Anthem) performed by the United States Navy Band

1904 – Song of the "Ujangong" mask dance

Wax cylinder recording from German New Guinea on August 23, 1904, recorded by German anthropologist Rudolf Pöch

1904 – Castrato singing

A recording of "Hostias Et Preces" by Eugenio Terziani (1824–1889), sung by the last surviving castrato of the Pope's choir, Alessandro Moreschi (1858–1922). Moreschi, as the only castrato trained in the old traditions to be recorded, provides our only insight into what a lost musical tradition was like.

1904 – Csárdás

A csárdás is a traditional Hungarian folk dance. This version was composed by Vittorio Monti in 1904 based on the traditional tunes. It was recorded in 2004 by the United States Air Force Band.

1904 - La Dessalinienne

"La Dessalinienne" performed by the United States Navy Band.

1904 - Himno Istmeño

"Himno Istmeño" (Panama National Anthem) performed by the United States Navy Band

1906 – Anchors Aweigh

A modern United States Department of Defense instrumental recording of "Anchors Aweigh", the song of the United States Navy. Music by Charles A. Zimmerman, with lyrics (not here used) by Alfred Hart Miles.

1905 – Troopers Tribunal

Henry Fillmore's Troopers Tribunal, a circus march for which Fillmore used a punning name – troupers, as in a circus troupe – in order to conceal who he wrote the march for from his conservative father.

1905 – Regimental Pride

Regimental Pride by "March Wizard" John Clifford Heed, named in honor of his time in Voss's First Regiment Band, for which he played cornet. Performed by the United States Air Force Band.

1906 - "Anchors Aweigh" (1929 recording)

The United States Navy Band performs "Anchors Aweigh"

1906 – Frog Legs Rag

Frog Legs Rag, a classic ragtime piece by James Scott. Performed on a synthesized piano by Wikipedian Adam Cuerden in 2010 with technical assistance from Jujutacular.

1907 – Andante Pastoral et Scherzettino

Claude-Paul Taffanel's Andante Pastoral et Scherzettino, composed for the 1907 Paris Conservatory Flute Concours. Performed by Alex Murray (flute) and Martha Goldstein (piano).

1908 - "Fairest of the Fair"

For a John Philips Sousa march, "Fairest of the Fair" is on the fringe of military marches.

1908 – Shine On, Harvest Moon

A 1909 Edison Records recording of husband-and-wife team Jack Norworth and Nora Bayes' 1908 hit Shine On, Harvest Moon. Performed by Ada Jones and Billy Murray.

1908 – Take Me Out to the Ball Game

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game", by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer, is a Tin Pan Alley waltz song which became the unofficial anthem of baseball. This version was sung by Edward Meeker for Edison Records in September 1908, and is one of the first recordings of the song. This recording was preserved in 2011 by the National Recording Registry.

1908 – The Circus Bee

"The Circus Bee" is a circus march by Henry Fillmore written in 1908.

1909 – Grace and Beauty

Grace and Beauty, by ragtime composer James Scott. MIDI sequencing by Adam Cuerden, piano synthesis by Jujutacular.

1909 – Front Section March

Edwin Eugene Bagley's Front Section March, performed by the United States Air Force Concert Band.

1910 - "America the Beautiful"

The United States Army Band Brass Quintet's 2007 rendition of the 1910 song "America the Beautiful".

1910 – How can they tell that I'm Irish?

1910 Edison Records recording of vaudeville performer Edward M. Favor's rendition of Clarence Wainwright Murphy's song How can they tell that I'm Irish?

1910 – Prelude in B Minor, Op. 32, No. 10

A performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff's 1910 composition Prelude in B Minor, Op. 32, No. 10 by Wikipedian La Pianista

1910 – La plus que lente

Claude Debussy's La plus que lente, his parody and epitome of the slow waltz. Performed by Wikipedian La Pianista in 2010.

1910 - The Corps

Bishop H.S. Shipman's The Corps, which is considered second in importance only to the United States Military Academy's Alma Mater, performed by the United States Army Field Band and Chorus

1910 - The Melody Shop March

Karl King's 1910 "The Melody Shop" circus march, which he composed as s teenager, performed by the United States Army Field Band

1910 – Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Ralph Vaughan Williams's first big public success, the Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. Performed by the U.S. Army Band's string section, c. 2010.

1911 – Ramshackle Rag

A 1911 composition by Ted Snyder performed by Arthur Pryor's Band in the same year, in an arrangement by William Schulz.

1911 – That Flying Rag

Arthur Pryor's "That Flying Rag" performed by Arthur Pryor's Band in 1911. Arrangement by Louis-Philippe Laurendeau.

1912 - Farewell of Slavianka -edit3

Vasily Agapkin's 1912 "Farewell of Slavianka" performed by the United States Coast Guard Band.

1912 – Memphis Blues

"Memphis Blues", composed by W. C. Handy in 1912. This is the first known recording, performed by the Victor Military Band, July 15, 1914.

1912 – It's a Long Way to Tipperary

It's a Long Way to Tipperary, written by Jack Judge in 1912 and performed here by Albert Farrington in 1915.

1912 – Seventeen Come Sunday

Percy Grainger's choral arrangement of the folk song "Seventeen Come Sunday". Performed by the United States Navy Band Sea Chanters ensemble.

1913 – Syrinx

Claude Debussy's flute solo, Syrinx, performed by Sarah Bassingthwaite in Brechmin Auditorium, University of Washington, October 2006. Syrinx's free structure, giving a large degree of interpretive freedom to the performer, played an important role in the development of solo flute music in the early 20th century. It was originally composed as incidental music for the ultimately unfinished play Psyché by Gabriel Mourey.

1913 – The Outlook

Prolific circus musician Fred Jewell's The Outlook, performed by the United States Air Force Band

1914 – Keep the Home Fires Burning

Keep the Home Fires Burning, a World War I-era patriotic song by Ivor Novello and Lena Guilbert Ford, performed by Frederick Wheeler for Edison Records in late 1915.

1914 – I Want to Go Back to Michigan

I Want to Go Back to Michigan, written by Irving Berlin, and performed by Billy Murray for Edison Records in 1914.

1914 – Duo for violin and cello

Zoltán Kodály's Duo for violin and cello, Op. 7, performed by the U.S. Army Strings.

1914 - "Colonel Bogey March"

"Colonel Bogey March" is a widely recognized march even beyond its role as the authorized march of The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) of the Canadian Forces.

1915 – Sonatina

Bartók's Sonatina for solo piano, written in 1915 and performed by Wikipedian La Pianista in 2009

1916 – New York Blues

A 1916 recording of "New York Blues", composed and performed by Pietro Frosini, one of the most famous stars of the accordion.

1916 – Pleasant Moments

A 1916 recording, from a piano roll, of a ragtime waltz composed and performed by Scott Joplin.

1916 – Rolling Thunder

"Rolling Thunder", by Henry Fillmore, is a type of circus march known as a screamer.

1917 – Livery Stable Blues

The Original Dixieland Jass Band's 1917 recording of "Livery Stable Blues", by Ray Lopez and Alcide Nunez. It was the first released jazz recording. Performers: Nick LaRocca (cornet), Eddie Edwards (trombone), Larry Shields (clarinet), Henry Ragas (piano) and Tony Spargo (drums)

1917 – Études-Tableaux, Op. 39, No. 5

Sergei Rachmaninoff wrote two sets of Études-Tableaux in 1911 (Op. 33) and 1917 (Op. 39); this recording is one of the pieces in the second, Opus 39 set. Conceived as "picture pieces", meant to evoke a visual scene, Rachmaninoff nonetheless declined to identify which scene he had in mind for most of the pieces, saying, "I don't believe in the artist that discloses too much of his images. Let [the listener] paint for themselves what it most suggests." Performed by Karine Gilanyan for Musopen.

1917 – Gesù bambino

Gesù bambino, a 1917 Italian Christmas carol by Pietro Yon, in an English translation by Frederick H. Martens. Performed by the chorus of the U.S. Army Band, c. 2010.

1918 – Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning

Irving Berlin's 1918 hit "Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning", sung by Arthur Fields in 1919.

1919 − Amar Rabbi Elazar

A traditional setting of the last passage of the Talmudic tractate Berakhot, which describes how scholars of the Talmud create peace in the world. Performed by Cantor Meyer Kanewsky in 1919 for Edison Records.

1919 – Overture on Hebrew Themes, Op. 34

Sergei Prokofiev's Overture on Hebrew Themes, based on Jewish folk music. Written on commission for the Jewish ensemble Simro, it uses the unusual combination of clarinet, string quartet, and piano. Performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra in 2009.

1919 – Swanee

Al Jolson's hit 1920 recording of George Gershwin and Irving Caesar's 1919 "Swanee". Sheet music is available at Wikisource.

1920 – Crazy Blues

The first recording of vocal blues music by an African-American singer: Mamie Smith's performance of Perry Bradford's "Crazy Blues" in 1920.

1920 – Comrades of the Legion

John Philip Sousa's march "Comrades of the Legion", in a modern-day recording from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band's contemporary album "Semper Fidelis": Music of John Philip Sousa; Colonel John R. Bourgeois, Director.

1921 - Ross's Reel

An exapmle of a jazz piece from the early 1920s, sometimes known as the jazz age.

1921 – I'm Just Wild About Harry

Instrumental version of the most famous song from the 1921 musical Shuffle Along, recorded during its original Broadway run. Later used as a presidential campaign song for Harry Truman.

1921 - Kitten on the Keys

Zez Confrey's first hit, performed by him.

1922 – Save A Little Dram For Me

Prohibition era song by Skidmore--Walker, sung by Duke Rogers, recorded by Thomas Edison's studio, 1922. Duration 3:29.

1922 – The Gallant Seventh

"The Gallant Seventh", was Sousa's most popular march in the 1920s and is distinguished as his only march with two breakstrains.

1930s? – "Los Cuatro Generales" and "Viva La Quince Brigada"

Two folk songs from the Spanish Civil War sung by Leon Lishner.

1933 – Chegou a hora da fogueira

Carmen Miranda and Mário Reis, recorded and released in 1933

1933 – Alô... Alô?

Carmen Miranda and Mário Reis, recorded in 1933, released in 1934

1934 – March of the Volunteers

The national anthem of the People's Republic of China, March of the Volunteers, performed by the United States Navy Band.

1938 – Oppaneun punggakjaengi
(오빠는 풍각쟁이)

A 1938 teuroteu by Kim Song Kyu and Park Yeong Ho. Sung by Park Hyang Rim.

1943 – Oh Jonah!

A gospel song sung by the Golden Jubilee Quartet detailing the story of the Book of Jonah.

1943 – My Lord Is Writin'

A gospel song sung by the Cochran Field Singers.

1943 – We are Americans, Praise the Lord

A World War II gospel song sung by Bertha Houston and her congregation.

1995 – Colin Ross – Etherea

An example of new age music, performed on the recorder, from the 1995 album Refractions by Colin Ross

2001 – Diavolska shterka

A song from Bulgarian folk metal band Balkandji's first album, Probuzhdane ("Awake")

2003 – Still Another Wanderer

Music from the Open Source game Battle for Wesnoth, demonstrating many key features of modern video game music

2008 – Over the Northern Mountains

A fanfare written by Mattias Westlund. Composed for the open-source video game, The Battle for Wesnoth, this piece is an example of the advancements in virtual orchestra musical technology.

2009 – Swansong

"Swansong", the winning song in the Ubuntu 10.10 Free Culture Showcase, written and performed by Josh Woodward.

Undateable

Omaha Flag song

Traditional anthem in the Omaha language, used for homecomings and to close ceremonies. Translation: "When you went overseas, you made a stand so that the flag could be raised. When you returned, you brought the flag back. You saved our lives."

Star in the East solfege

An example of a singer reading shape notes, this shows how a trained shape note singer would have the music to "Star of the East" marked up in the shape note tradition's modified solfege.

Reveille

Reveille performed on the bugle by a member of the United States Army Band. Its main function is to wake military personnel at sunrise.

To the Colors

To the Colors is a bugle call that renders honor to a nation. It is commonly used when there isn't a band to play the national anthem.

Retreat

Retreat is a bugle call used to signal the end of the official day.

Cantillation

An example of cantillation in the Jewish tradition: A Hebrew Torah blessing chanted before the Aliyah La-Torah (reading of the Torah) during a Reform Bar Mitzvah by Cantor Seth Warner.

Attention (bugle call)

Attention bugle call performed by the United States Army Ceremonial Band

Trad. - The foggy dew

A traditional Irish song (The Foggy Dew) using a penny whistle and percussion.

Recordings in multiple parts

George Frideric Handel – Fitzwilliam Sonatas

Handel's Fitzwilliam Sonata 1

Handel's Fitzwilliam Sonata 2

Handel's Fitzwilliam Sonata 3

Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons

Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Le quattro stagioni, 1725). Performed by the Wichita State University Chamber Players; violin, John Harrison.

Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, "La primavera" (Spring)

Spring, 1: Allegro

Spring, 2: Largo

Spring, 3: Allegro

Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "L'estate" (Summer)

Summer, 1: Allegro non molto

Summer, 2: Adagio

Summer, 3: Presto

Concerto No. 3 in F major, Op. 8, RV 293, "L'autunno" (Autumn)

Autumn, 1: Allegro

Autumn, 2: Adagio molto

Autumn, 3: Allegro

Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, "L'inverno" (Winter)

Winter, 1: Allegro non molto

Winter, 2: Largo

Winter, 3: Allegro

Franz Schubert – Impromptu in B flat

Franz Schubert's Impromptu in B flat (1827, D. 935/3; Op. 142 No. 3)

Variations IV through VI

A combined version is also available:

Complete version: Theme and Variations I through VI

Franz Schubert - Octet, D. 803

A performance of Franz Schubert's Octet, D. 803, on period instruments.

6. Andante Molto - Allegro

Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 28

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101 (1816). Performed by Daniel Veesey from Musopen.com.

Movement I

Movement II

Movements III and IV

Charles Gounod – Petite Symphonie pour neuf instruments à vent

Charles Gounod's Petite Symphonie pour neuf instruments à vent (Little Symphony for Nine Woodwinds, 1885). Performed by the Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet: Felix Skowronek, flute; Laila Storch, oboe; William McColl, clarinet; Christopher Leuba, horn; Arthur Grossman, Bassoon; and guest performers Ove Hanson, oboe; Julie Oster, clarinet; David Cottrell, horn; and Robert Olson, bassoon.

I. Adagio, allegro

II: Andante cantabile

III: Scherzo (Allegro moderato)

IV: Finale (Allegretto)

Johann Sebastian Bach – Sonata for Flute or Recorder and Harpsichord in B minor, BWV 1030

Johann Sebastian Bach's Sonata in B minor for flute or recorder and harpsichord. Performed by Alex Murray (traverso) and Martha Goldstein (harpsichord)

I. Andante

II. Largo e Dolce

III. Presto

Gilbert and Sullivan – H.M.S. Pinafore

These recordings of selections from W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore (1878) was created by Edison Records in 1911. It stars Elizabeth Spencer, Mary Jordan, Harry Anthony, Walter Van Brunt, James F. Harrison, and William F. Hooley.

"Pinafore airs", pt. 1

Includes "We have sailed the ocean blue" "Hail, men of oarsmen", "I'm called Little Buttercup", and "A maiden fair to see"

"Pinafore airs", pt. 2

Includes "My gallant crew, good morning", "I am the Captain of the Pinafore", "Sorry her lot" (second verse, beginning "Sad is the hour"), "Over the bright blue sea", and "I am the monarch of the sea"

Molière and Jean-Baptiste Lully – Le Bourgeois gentilhomme

The ballet music by Jean-Baptiste Lully from Le Bourgeois gentilhomme Molière's 1670 comédie-ballet (that is, a ballet broken up by spoken scenes). This version was performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra in 2007.

8. Air des Espagnoles

9. Menuet 1 and 2

10. Chaconne des Scaramouche, Trivelins

11. Marche pour la Ceremonie des Turcs

Frédéric Chopin – Cello Sonata Op. 65

Frédéric Chopin wrote his Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 65 in 1846. It is one of only nine works of Chopin published during his lifetime that were written for instruments other than piano (although the piano still appears in every work he wrote). Chopin composed four sonatas, the others being all piano sonatas. The cello sonata was the last of Chopin's works to be published in his lifetime.

The sonata was written for and dedicated to Auguste Franchomme, and it was played by Franchomme and Chopin at the composer's last public concert, at the Salle Pleyel on 16 February 1848.

This performance is by John Michel and Lisa Bergman.

Cello Sonata in G minor, 1st movement

Cello Sonata in G minor, 2nd movement

Cello Sonata in G minor, 3rd movement

Ludwig van Beethoven – The Diabelli Variations

The 33 Variations on a waltz by Anton Diabelli, Op. 120, commonly known as the Diabelli Variations, is a set of variations for the piano written between 1819 and 1823 by Ludwig van Beethoven on a waltz composed by Anton Diabelli. One of the supreme compositions for the piano, it often shares the highest honours with Bach's Goldberg Variations. The distinguished music writer Donald Francis Tovey has called it "the greatest set of variations ever written."^[1] Pianist Alfred Brendel has described it as simply "the greatest of all piano works." It also comprises, in the words of Hans von Bülow, "a microcosm of Beethoven's art."

"Trois Quintetti Concertans" by Giuseppe Cambini

Giuseppe Cambini (1746–1825?) wrote the Trois Quintetti Concertans ("Three Wind Quintets") around 1802, making the some of the earliest ever composed. This recording was performed in 2004 by the Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet: Felix Skowronek (flute), Laila Storch (oboe), William McColl (clarinet), Christopher Leuba (horn), and Arthur Grossman (bassoon). File:Commons icon.svg (nom)]]

No. 1 in Bb major

I. Allegro maestoso

II. Larghetto cantabile

III. Rondo Allegretto grazioso

No. 2 in D minor

I. Allegro espressivo

II. Larghetto sostenuto ma con moto

III. Presto ma non tanto

No. 3 in F major

I. Allegro maestoso

II. Larghetto sostenuto

III. Rondo Allegro con brio

Ludwig van Beethoven – Violin Sonata No. 8 (Opus 30-3)

The Violin Sonata No. 8 in G major of Ludwig van Beethoven, the third of his Opus 30 set, was written between 1801 and 1802, published in May 1803, and dedicated to Czar Alexander I of Russia. This sonata is characteristic of early/middle Beethoven in its solid sonata structure, just beginning to get adventurous in syncopation, with some extraordinary off beat sforzandi.

I. Allegro assai

II. Tempo di minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso

III. Allegro vivace

Performed by Paul Rosenthal (violin) and Edward Auer (piano)

Brahms' String Quintet No. 1 in F major, Opus 88

Johannes Brahms' String Quintet No. 1 in F major, Opus 88 was composed in 1882 in the spa town of Bad Ischl, Upper Austria, and published by the firm of Fritz Simrock. It is a "Viola Quintet" in that it is scored for string quartet with an extra viola. It has three movements:

1. Allegro non troppo ma con brio

2. Grave ed appassionato - Allegretto vivace - Tempo I - Presto - Tempo I

3. Allegro energico - Presto

Hungry Lucy – Pulse of the Earth

Pulse of the Earth is a 2010 album by American trip-hop/indie duo Hungry Lucy.

J. S. Bach - Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major

Johann Sebastian Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007, performed by John Michel.

Erik Satie - Trois Gnossiennes

Erik Satie's Trois Gnossiennes, composed c. 1890, and first published in 1893.

Satie's coining of the word "gnossienne" was one of the rare occasions when a composer used a new term to indicate a new "type" of composition. Satie had and would use many novel names for his compositions ("vexations", "croquis et agaceries" and so on). "Ogive," for example, had been the name of an architectural element until Satie used it as the name for a composition, the Ogives. "Gnossienne," however, was a word that did not exist before Satie used it as a title for a composition. The word appears to be derived from "gnosis"; Satie was involved in gnostic sects and movements at the time that he began to compose the Gnossiennes.^{[citation needed]} However, some published versions claim^{[citation needed]} that the word derives from Cretan "knossos" or "gnossus" and link the Gnossiennes to Theseus, Ariadne and the Minotaur myth. Several archeological sites relating to that theme were famously excavated around the time that Satie composed the Gnossiennes.

Performed by La Pianista.

Gnossienne 1

Gnossienne 2

Gnossienne 3

Ottorino Respighi – Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 1

Suite No. 1 from Ottorino Respighi's Ancient Airs and Dances (1917). It is based on Renaissance lute pieces by Simone Molinaro, Vincenzo Galilei, and various anonymous composers.

1. Balletto, “Il Conte Orlando”

2. Gagliarda

3. Villanella

4. Passo mezzo e mascherada

Gustav Holst - The Planets, Op. 32 (selections)

The Planets, Op. 32, is a seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst, written between 1914 and 1916. Each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the Solar System and its corresponding astrological character, as defined by Holst. With the exception of Earth, which is not observed in astrological practice, all the planets are represented in the complete composition, though this selection misses out Saturn and Neptune. All were performed in 1998 by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band in a transcription by Merlin Patterson, edited by Capt. Lang and MSgt Aldo Forte.

Mars, the Bringer of War

Venus, the Bringer of Peace

Mercury, the Winged Messenger

Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity

Uranus, the Magician

Gustav Holst - First Suite in E-flat for Military Band

Gustav Holst's "First Suite in E-flat for Military Band", first composed in 1909, is considered one of the cornerstone masterworks in the concert band repertoire.

1. Chaconne

2. Intermezzo

3. March

Three Drum cadences

Drum - Cadence A

Drum - Cadence B

Drum - Four Flams

Snare drum cadences performed by the United States Navy Band

Field recordings – Recordings of nature and other background noises, such as machines in operation or wind-chimes.

Amphibians
Spring Peepers A pond of Spring Peepers and Wood Frogs in Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, April 2006

Birds

American robin

The morning song of the American robin.

Common blackbird

A common blackbird (Turdus merula) singing in a forest in southern Finland.

Masked Lovebird call

The flock call for the Masked Lovebird.

Northern Mockingbird

A Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) singing in a tree.

Black-capped Chickadee

The song of the Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus).

New Zealand Bellbirds, singing and calling

Several New Zealand Bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) are heard singing and calling as they gather around a bird feeder on Tiritiri Matangi Island. The bellbird's song contributed strongly to New Zealand's loud dawn chorus, now essentially absent from most of the mainland, and best heard on protected islands and other wildlife sanctuaries. Recorded in 2011.

Insects
Field cricket Recording of a field cricket, Gryllus pennsylvanicus.

Mammals
Bison call The bellow made by a male American bison that is used to get the attention of a potential mate. It is also used to scare off other males during mating season. Domestic cat purring "Whiskers", a domestic cat (Felis catus), purring.

Reptiles
Alligator bellow Field recording of an alligator by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Tokay gecko mating call Mating call of a male Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko).

Other
Walking on singing sand Walking on singing sand at "Kotogahama" Beach in Nimacho, Odashi, Shimane, Japan Suikinkutsu A recording of a suikinkutsu, a type of Japanese garden ornament and musical device. (nom) Dial-up modem connection noises Noises typical of a dial-up modem negotiating a connection with an ISP.

Historical recordings – Speeches, historic incidents, landmarks in the history of recording, and similar.

History of recording

1860 – Au Clair de la Lune

This 1860 phonautogram by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville is the earliest known recording of the human voice, though it was never intended to be played back.

June 1888 – "Israel In Egypt", recorded at the 1888 Handel Festival

The earliest surviving phonograph cylinder recording of music. Recorded on a paraffin cylinder on June 29, 1888, by George Gouraud.

c. July 1888 – Recording of Arthur Sullivan's "The Lost Chord"

The Lost Chord, recorded by George Gouraud. It was played at the August 14, 1888, press conference that introduced the phonograph to London.

October 1888 – After-dinner speech by Arthur Sullivan at the Little Menlo, London

A very early wax cylinder recording (October 5, 1888) of composer Arthur Sullivan. It was created in London by George Gouraud as an audio letter to be sent back to Edison.

1890 – "America", read by Walt Whitman

An 1890 recording of Walt Whitman reading the opening four lines of his poem "America", from his collection Leaves of Grass.

1898 – When Johnny Comes Marching Home

United States military song recorded during the Spanish–American War by Emile Berliner, inventor of the first lateral disc audio record, one year after he received the patent on the device.

1899 – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau

A recording of the Welsh national anthem, "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" (composed in January 1856 by James James, with words by his father Evan James), sung by Madge Breese for the Gramophone Company on 11 March 1899.

1906 – I am the Edison Phonograph

This 1906 recording enticed store customers with the wonders of an exciting invention: the phonograph cylinder.

1933 - Repeal of Prohibition

A 1933 newsreel about the repeal of prohibition

Speeches

1912 – The Right of the People to Rule

Excerpts of a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt at Carnegie Hall, March 12, 1912, recorded August 12 by Thomas Edison. The time constraints of the wax cylinder medium probably required the abridgement.

1913 – Woodrow Wilson's Address to the American Indians

Woodrow Wilson's address on the affairs of American Indians, "The great white father now calls you his brothers". The speech recognised the wrongs of the past and the injustices inflicted on the Native Americans and was a formal apology by Wilson to the Native Americans.

1915 – The Star-Spangled Banner

A recording of the Star-Spangled Banner, later the national anthem of the United States, by widower President Woodrow Wilson's First Lady, his daughter Margaret Woodrow Wilson

1921 – "Explanation of the Objects of the Universal Negro Improvement Association"

Complete 1921 speech by Marcus Garvey

1933 - Fireside Chat on the Banking Crisis

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 12 March 1933 radio address on the bank failures that lead to the financial crisis that would later become known as the Great Depression. The speech became the first of a series of radio addresses known as the Fireside Chats.

1939 – Chamberlain war declaration

Neville Chamberlain announcing that Britain was at war with Germany, over the wireless, on 3 September 1939

1940 - Be Ye Men of Valour

Radio recording of the original speech made by the former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill released by the British Broadcasting Corporation, here entitled Be Ye Men of Valour.

1941 – Four Freedoms speech.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's January 6, 1941 State of the Union Address, using the theme of the Four Freedoms, which he felt represented universal rights in a well-formed society, to explain why he brought America to join World War II. (transcript)

1941 – Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Day of Infamy Speech

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's speech after the Pearl Harbor attacks

1943 – Heinrich Himmler – Posen speech

Excerpt from the Posen speech of October 4, 1943, made by Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler to the seniority of the SS, discussing the ongoing extermination of the Jews in the Holocaust.

1945 – Harry Truman announcing the surrender of Germany

Public statement by Harry S. Truman on May 8, 1945, announcing the surrender of Germany.

1945 – Hirohito radio broadcast

Japanese emperor Hirohito reads out the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War

1945 – Harry Truman announcing the surrender of Japan

Speech by Harry S. Truman announcing the surrender of Japan, officially ending World War II, on 1 September 1945.

1953 – Harry S. Truman's Farewell Address

Harry S. Truman's speech about the end of his presidency, the repair of the White House, the necessity of a polite, peaceful handover to another political party as part of democracy, the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the end of World War II, the Cold War, the Korean War, and returning home to Independence, Missouri. (January 15, 1953)

1954 – Eisenhower stating the need for "a vast new highway program".

Speech by Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Congressional election campaign, three years before the Interstate Highway System was created.

1961 – Eisenhower farewell address

Farewell address by United States president Dwight D. Eisenhower from January 17, 1961. Duration 15:30.

1961 – Inaugural address of John F. Kennedy

The full audio recording of the inaugural address made by John F. Kennedy after being sworn in as the thirty-fifth President of the United States on January 20, 1961. Duration 14:00.

1961 – John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

A video of John F. Kennedy giving his inaugural address after being sworn in as the thirty-fifth President of the United States on January 20, 1961.

1961 – Establishment of the Peace Corps

John F. Kennedy's announcement of the March 1, 1961 signing of Executive Order 10924 which marked the establishment of the Peace Corps

1962 – Address on the Buildup of Arms in Cuba

Kennedy addressing the nation on October 22, 1962, about the buildup of arms on Cuba.

1963 – Ich bin ein Berliner

United States president John F. Kennedy's "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech at the Berlin Wall, June 26, 1963

1964 – Remarks upon Signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Speech by Lyndon Baines Johnson upon signing the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964.

1965 - Remarks on the Signing of the Voting Rights Act

Statement before the United States Congress by Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965 about the Voting Rights Act.

1969 – "That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind."

The sentence uttered by Neil Armstrong upon being the first human to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 21, 1969

1970 – Apollo 13: Houston, we've had a problem

James A. Lovell, Jr, Apollo 13 Commander, reporting an explosion on 13 April 1970. Duration 0:17.

1974 – Richard Nixon's resignation speech

Resignation speech of United States President Richard Nixon, delivered 8 August 1974, after the Watergate scandal had reached its peak.

1974 – Gerald Ford Vietnam clemency remarks

Speech by United States President Gerald Ford announcing clemency plans for Vietnam era draft evaders.

1977 – Statement on the Panama Canal Treaty Signing

Statement on the Panama Canal Treaty Signing, by Jimmy Carter.

1981 – First Inaugural address of Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan's inaugural address for his first term as President of the United States.

1987 – Ronald Reagan: Tear down this wall

Complete speech by Ronald Reagan at the Brandenburg Gate, June 12, 1987.

1993 - Bill Clinton's First Inaugural

Video of Bill Clinton entire 1993 presidential inauguration address on January 20, 1993.

1993 - Bill Clinton - Remarks on the Signing of NAFTA

Bill Clinton's remarks on the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement on December 8, 1993.

1998 – Bill Clinton's Response to the Lewinsky Allegations

Bill Clinton making a presentation that ends with a short commentary on the Monica Lewinsky scandal. The presentation is known for the quote "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky." (6:07)

September 11, 2001 – Statement by the President in his Address to the Nation

George W. Bush's address to the people of the United States, September 11, 2001, 8:30 pm EDT.

2002 State of the Union Address

The full 2002 State of the Union Address made by George W. Bush where he first uses the term axis of evil (Duration: 39 minutes, 5 seconds)

George W. Bush on the Columbia disaster

January 28, 2008 – State of the Union Address by President George W. Bush

George W. Bush's address, given on the first floor of the House of Representatives at the Capitol.

2009 – Barack Obama taking the Oath of office

The full audio recording of Barack Obama and Chief Justice John G. Roberts as Obama takes the Oath of office of the President of the United States as the forty-fourth President of the United States during his inauguration on January 20, 2009. Roberts recited the oath, which should be "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." incorrectly three times, which caused Obama to also stumble on his lines. (Duration: 45 seconds)

2009 – Barack Obama's inauguration speech

The full audio recording of the inaugural address made by Barack Obama after being sworn in as the forty-fourth President of the United States on January 20, 2009. (Duration: 18 minutes, 57 seconds)

2009 – Barack Obama's Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the Financial Crisis (52:20)

Barack Obama's February 24, 2009 Address Before a Joint Session of Congress in which he discussed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 among other economic-related issues during the Late-2000s financial crisis.

2010 – State of the Union address (1:09:44)

Barack Obama's January 27, 2010 State of the Union Address

2011 - President Obama on Death of Osama bin Laden (9:25)

U.S. President Barack Obama addresses America and the world that Osama bin Laden has been killed by U.S. forces.

2011 - Mamata Banerjee taking the Oath of office

The full audio recording of Mamata Banerjee and Governor M. K. Narayanan in Bengali as Banerjee takes the Oath of Office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal. Banerjee defeated the world's longest-serving democratically elected communist government in the state assembly election held in West Bengal, India.

Videos

1943 – Russian national anthem

Performance of the Hymn of the Russian Federation by the Presidential Orchestra and Kremlin Choir at the inauguration of President Dmitry Medvedev at The Kremlin on 7 May 2008. The lyrics were written in 1943 by Sergey Mikhalkov to a pre-existing tune by Alexander Alexandrov. In 2000, it was reinstated as the national anthem of Russia.

Russian anthem at the 2010 Moscow Victory Day Parade

Instrumental performance of the Russian national anthem at the 2010 Moscow Victory Day Parade in Moscow's Red Square, resplendent with a 21 gun salute.

Othello, Act I, scene iii (5:05)

James Earl Jones performs a soliloquy by Othello from Act I, scene iii of Shakespeare's Othello at the White House Evening of Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word on May 12, 2009.

Boccherini's Sonata for Two Cellos in C Major, 1st movement Allegro moderato (3:18)

Luigi Boccherini's Sonata for Two Cellos in C Major, 1st movement: Allegro moderato performed by Alisa Weilerstein and 8 year-old Sujari Britt at the White House Evening of Classical Music on November 4, 2009.

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

Shepard-Risset glissando