Echoes of Berlin: 78s

This dataset offers a window into early 20th-century Berlin through 110 digitized shellac records featuring music mostly by Paul Lincke, a key composer in the development of Berlin operetta. From iconic numbers like Das macht die Berliner Luft to lesser-known excerpts from works such as Im Reiche des Indra and Lysistrata, the recordings capture a vibrant musical culture in short, catchy pieces—always just a few minutes long. They reflect the popular tastes of their time, blending wit, melody, and theatrical flair in compact, memorable form.

This dataset contains 110 digitized shellac records from the Berlin State Library’s collection, focusing on works by Paul Lincke, a central figure in early 20th-century Berlin operetta.

The recordings include vocal and instrumental pieces from major works, as well as lesser-known numbers and revue excerpts. Many were recorded between the 1900s and 1940s, offering a glimpse into performance practices, instrumentation, and musical tastes. Audio files are available in multiple formats, alongside high-resolution images of the original labels.