The 1888 Handel Festival recordings at the Crystal Palace

The supposed centenary of Handel’s birth in 1785 and 25th anniversary of his death were the spur for London’s first Handel Commemoration. 

Subsequent festivals, many held in the Crystal Palace, took place regularly until 1926, ten years before the Palace itself was destroyed by fire. 

One of Thomas Edison's new Perfected Phonographs arrived in London during the three days of 1888 festival. Edison's agent Colonel George Gouraud lived close to the Crystal Palace and took the new machine along. 

As a result we can hear the 4,000 voice Handel choir and orchestra, conducted by Sir August Manns, performing on 29th June 1888. It is the world’s oldest surviving recording of a choir and orchestra.

The 1888 Handel Festival at the Crystal Palace