Sonic SongBooks?

In the early twentieth century recording technologies began to impinge on what had been a purely oral and written tradition - now the writing could be on a record and the manner to 'read' it was through sound - playing the record.

This review https://mjoreviews.org/2022/11/17/eastern-mediterranean/#more-993 in Musica Judaica helps readers understand the deep history of the early days of Judeo-Spanish recordings in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is rich with text, translations, explanations, historic recordings and contemporary video.

Because of Walter Benjamin's concern for mechanical reproduction, I believe that we must ask ourselves about the values and pitfalls in these forms of safeguarding fragile oral repertoires, and if this form of "sonic songbook" is actually maybe, just perpetuating a tradition of 'writing' and saving songs for future transmission and enjoyment.

Go to the review to read more and access all the relevant links!