Moses Asch and His Encyclopedia of Sound: Uncovering the Hidden Treasures of Recorded Music

The Visionary Behind Folkways Records

Folkways Records: Moses Asch and His Encyclopedia of Sound

by H. Norman Wright

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	357 pages

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Moses Asch, a Polish immigrant with a passion for music and social justice, arrived in the United States in 1928. He was deeply moved by the plight of immigrant communities struggling to preserve their cultural heritage in the face of rampant discrimination.

In 1948, Asch founded Folkways Records, a visionary record label dedicated to documenting and preserving the music of marginalized and underrepresented cultures. His goal was to create an "Encyclopedia of Sound" that would capture the diverse sounds of the world, from traditional folk music to experimental electronic compositions.

A Groundbreaking Collection

Folkways Records quickly became a beacon for musicians and researchers alike. Asch's relentless pursuit of authenticity led him to travel far and wide, recording musicians in their natural habitats, capturing their songs, stories, and oral traditions.

The Folkways catalog grew exponentially, encompassing an astonishing range of genres and cultures. From the haunting Appalachian ballads of Doc Watson to the vibrant rhythms of Nigerian drum ensembles, Folkways Records became a testament to the boundless diversity of human musical expression.

Documenting the Voices of the Marginalized

Asch's deep commitment to social justice extended to his work as a record producer. He recognized the power of music to amplify the voices of the oppressed and give visibility to marginalized communities.

Folkways Records became a platform for activists, civil rights leaders, and indigenous peoples to share their messages and experiences. The label's catalog includes groundbreaking recordings by Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Martin Luther King Jr., documenting the struggles and triumphs of the American civil rights movement.

A Legacy in Ethnomusicology

Asch's work had a profound impact on the field of ethnomusicology. His pioneering efforts to document and preserve the music of non-Western cultures paved the way for scholars and researchers to gain a deeper understanding of global musical traditions.

The Folkways Records catalog became an indispensable resource for ethnomusicologists, providing them with access to rare and previously inaccessible recordings. Asch's legacy continues to inspire researchers to explore the rich tapestry of world music and its diverse cultural contexts.

Preserving Cultural Memory

Beyond its musical significance, Folkways Records also became a valuable repository of oral history. Asch's recordings captured not only the music but also the stories, traditions, and personal narratives of the musicians he encountered.

The Folkways catalog provides a unique glimpse into the lives and experiences of ordinary people, offering insights into their cultural heritage, social customs, and the challenges they faced. Historians, anthropologists, and sociologists have found these recordings to be invaluable resources for understanding the past and its connection to the present.

A Lasting Impact

Moses Asch's Encyclopedia of Sound stands as a remarkable testament to the transformative power of music and the importance of cultural preservation.

Through Folkways Records, Asch created a legacy that continues to resonate today. His unwavering commitment to authenticity, social justice, and the preservation of cultural heritage has left an enduring mark on the world of music and beyond.

The Folkways catalog remains an invaluable resource for musicians, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of human musical expression.

Explore the Encyclopedia of Sound

To learn more about Moses Asch and his Encyclopedia of Sound, explore the vast Folkways Records catalog at https://folkways.si.edu/.

Discover the hidden treasures of world music, delve into the oral histories of marginalized communities, and witness the transformative power of music to bridge cultures and inspire social change.