Columbia Phonograph Co record cylinder in cardboard tube, 'Angel's Serenade' performed by Columbia Orchestra, No. 15132, distributed by A. P. Rey, Lower Tooting, S.W. London, 1896-1900

This phonograph cylinder is made of brown wax, one of the earlier cylinder formats. It is a recording of ‘Angel’s Serenade’, which was composed by Italian cellist Gaetano Braga (1829-1907). Its lyrics narrate a mother and daughter who hear the voice of an angel, which is portrayed through the instruments, eventually following the voice.

The original score instructed the singer to perform in a separate room to the instruments.

This version was performed by the Columbia Orchestra at the turn of the century. It was produced by Columbia Phonograph Co., now Columbia Records, who claim to be the oldest surviving name in the music industry.