It is generally believed that sound reproduction has been in steady progress from the time of Edison, the 78rpm records and gramophone, through LP up to the hi-fi technology of today's CD. This, however, is not true, especially in the sound quality. Indeed, one finds that even a gramophone in 1930's which does not use electric amplification can reproduce amazingly natural sound from 78rpm records with a wooden needle --- purely acoustic methods may offer higher fidelity than electrical means. This concert is designed to provide a rare opportunity for you to experience this. Mr. Kaichi Hagiwara, an expert on acoustic gramophones and 78rpm records, will introduce you to the true world of gramophones and thereby offer some of the historic performances of the early 20th century in the highest quality. The revived performances include those of Arthur Rubinstein, Pablo Casals, Nathan Milstein, Felix Weingartner and Fritz Kreisler.

[Lecturer] Kaichi Hagiwara

Kaichi Hagiwara began his collection of 78rpm records and gramophones over 50 years ago when he was fifteen, and has become one of the major collectors in Japan. He has a large collection of early acoustic recordings as well as some of the finest acoustic gramophones ever made, including the U.S. Victor Credenza 1925 which will be played in the concert. He is also a regular writer of the journal "SP RECORD" and has been organizing a series of gramophone record concerts here in Tsukuba since 1987.

• Inquiries on this concert should be addressed to Dr. Ohska（email: ohska@post.kek.jp, Fax: 029-864-5195) of the International Collaboration Office.
• This concert is open to the public and admission free. We may however restrict the number of attendants due to the limited seating capacity of the hall. If you wish to reserve your seat in advance, please send an email or fax to Dr. Ohska to notify your name and address. We will not be contacted via phone.