Abstract
Julius Block’s (1858–1934) recordings were recently published on a CD, produced by Marston Records. The album offers skilfully made transfers of Julius Block’s cylinders with informative and interesting liner notes presenting the fascinating story of Block’s life and work. These cylinder transfers were one of the first early recordings I ever encountered, and I was truly mesmerised with the late nineteenth century sound-world. The stylistic conventions and performance practices, which did not seem to relate to contemporary performance practices, were almost intoxicating, and soon early recordings become crucial both in my research and practice