The choice selections and talent was crucial not only the
struggle against Victor, but also for the survival the
cylinder format; the increasing popularity the recorded
music discs would ultimately lead the demise the
cylinder and the trade built it. Edison enjoyed his job
. Edison evaluated thousands
of cylinder recordings before choosing the selections for the
new disc." Edison believed that music lovers would
prefer better recording rather than rotten scratchy record
by great singer," and maintained that many the famous
singers recorded his competitors were better acting than
singing. The experience with motion pictures had made Edison
and his managers wary dealing with first-class talent— who
invariably cost more money and were difficult handle— and
the strategy for musical talent was keep them anonymous,
and low paid, possible, even the point leaving the
singer's name off the recording! Edison's influence was
decisive putting the technology before the artist.IX-20
Victor records. acknowledged that the existing stock of
recordings was poor and set out improve both the technique
of recording and the selections available Edison records.
It was ironic that the musical offerings leading
phonograph company were filtered through the prejudices and
damaged hearing sixty-year-old man.
His strategy was the opposite Victor's: propose to
depend the quality the records and not the reputation
27
of the singers
