Grammophon

Grammophon is a historic German company that played a significant role in the development of the phonograph and the recording industry. Founded in 1890 by Emil Berliner, the company was initially named Berliner Grammophon-Musik GmbH. The name "Grammophon" is derived from the Greek words "gramma" meaning "letter" and "phone" meaning "sound," reflecting the company's focus on sound recording.

Emil Berliner is credited with inventing the flat disc recording system, which became the standard for phonograph records. His invention, known as the Berliner disc, was a significant improvement over previous methods, allowing for longer playtimes and better sound quality. The company's early success was due in part to Berliner's innovative technology and his ability to secure patents for his inventions.

Grammophon's early recordings were made using shellac discs, which were later replaced by vinyl discs. The company's recordings were initially marketed as "gramophone records" or "phonograph records," and they became a popular form of entertainment in the early 20th century. Grammophon's recordings included a wide range of genres, from classical music to popular songs, and they helped to popularize the phonograph as a household appliance.

In 1924, the company merged with the American company Victor Talking Machine Company to form the Victor Talking Machine Company, which later became RCA Victor. The merger marked the end of the independent Grammophon company, but its legacy lived on through the recordings and innovations it had produced. Today, the name "Grammophon" is still used as a brand name by the German company Deutsche Grammophon, which continues to produce high-quality classical music recordings.