Filed under: cantonese opera
The 42000-43000 Victor series contains some of the most incredible Chinese music ever recorded. Predominately Cantonese, many of these recordings are reissues from the one sided 8000 series which were recorded in New York City and San Francisco as early as 1902. Because these were sold in the United States they are easier to find here, sometimes in great condition as leftover store stock.
This one has the classic Cantonese fiddle-banjo sound, that is, gaohu-sanxian sound.
A beautiful recording featuring the end blown Chinese flute called Xiao, reminiscent of Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian flute music.
Here’s another classic sounding Cantonese recording from the early 20th Century. This is a good example of the typical record from this Victor series.
I had decided not to post this recording because it’s pretty scratchy, but because it’s one of my all time favorite Victor records and I because you must be an intrepid bunch of music lovers to be here in the first place, I figured what the hell. Enjoy.
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HAJI MAJI 
you’re right – that last track is a winner and was worth putting up. nice to see a new post!
Comment by sprout333 October 4, 2008 @ 4:39 amThanks for checkin it out…I have a rare Cambodian record that sounds very similar…maybe I’ll get around to posting it someday!
HM
Comment by hajimaji October 4, 2008 @ 12:58 pmHello from France, thanks for these wonderful and rare recordings. By the way,you posted a comment on my new blog a few days ago saying a download link didn’t work. Check it again and tell me what you think.http://timesaintliketheyusedtobe.blogspot.com/
Comment by Gael October 7, 2008 @ 8:20 am[…] FOUR PURPLE VICTORSThe 42000-43000 Victor series contains some of the most incredible Chinese music ever recorded. […]
Pingback by The Chinese New Year Special Exhibition : CHINA RECORD LABEL(Pameran Piringhitam Tionghoa Tahu Baru Imlek) | Driwancybermuseum's Blog February 2, 2011 @ 4:46 amThank you very much!! Hope 2011 brings more blog activity…best wishes
Comment by Mystic Tune February 13, 2011 @ 3:50 am[…] FOUR PURPLE VICTORSThe 42000-43000 Victor series contains some of the most incredible Chinese music ever recorded. […]
Pingback by THE VINTAGE CHINESE OPERA RECORD COLLECTIONS | Iwansuwandy's Blog October 1, 2011 @ 9:07 pm[…] Opera record Courtecy Haji Maji (introduced by David) FOUR PURPLE VICTORSThe 42000-43000 Victor series contains some of the most incredible Chinese music ever recorded. […]
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