Aeolian-Vocalion (U.S.A.) / 1920
Corporate background:
Originally a product of the Aeolian
Company, piano manufacturers of New York, this label's first
recordings were made at the Aeolian Hall in New York.
'Aeolian' refers either to Aeolia, a
province of classical Greece, or to the harp of Aeolus, Greek
god of the wind.
The Aeolian harp was positioned where its
strings would be activated by the breeze, creating harmonics
that were deemed to be pure, inspired by nature itself.
Design: The
pronounced Victorian feel of this label (in many ways similar
to the Gennett design),
owes much to the influence of William Morris, the 19th century
decorative artist and poet.
Devotees of his 'Arts and Crafts Movement'
were to be found in England, Germany, Scandinavia and America.
The frothy, curvilinear outer ornament is
in strong contrast with the severe, thick-lined geometric
panels and borders and the heavy strokes of the Gothic letters,
which themselves are extruded into decorative flourishes in
different styles.
Note also the contrast in the vertical and
horizontal emphasis of the main lines of lettering.