[78-L] Bits At The Beginning And End.

[Spats]

Hi!

I was transferring some early operatic 78s to CD yesterday and, on a 
couple of the recordings, one could hear the 'expert' tell the 
performers to begin, quite clearly. On other early recordings, you 
sometimes get a snatch of conversation AFTER the recording is over 
before the needle has been raised from the recording disc.

Why is this so appealing? Is it because, though the music itself may 
be timeless, that tiny bit of speech is like a time machine, whisking 
us back to another era and reminding us that these were real 
breathing people who enjoyed their lives.....but over 100 years ago...

Earl.