Buzz
CAUTION: Some of the sounds in this collection may be unsettling to certain listeners] After much deliberation, I’ve finally put together a second set of remarkable recordings. If you're new to the site, you may want to check out the original list – you can find it under the Top 10 Incredible Recordings list.
10. Alessandro Moreschi The Last Castrato
Moreschi's recording was a standout in the original list, so I’ve included another of his performances. In this version of 'Domine Salvum Fac', we hear the characteristic ‘sobbing’ style typical of the era. Additionally, Moreschi is accompanied by a choir, showcasing his remarkable high notes. He was the last known castrato (a man who underwent castration in childhood to preserve his prepubescent voice). His recordings exist thanks to the foresight of Pope Leo XIII, who was interested in the emerging recording technology of the time. For more about Moreschi and the history of the castrati, check out the Cogitz article Castrati: Castrated for the Love of Music.
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9. Ted BundyConfession Tapes
[WARNING: This recording contains disturbing and explicit details of violence] Ted Bundy, the notorious serial killer, confessed to his heinous acts in a series of taped recordings. These tapes were eventually made public without any censorship. The excerpt above includes a chilling part of Bundy’s confession, where he recounts the disturbing act of burning one of his victim's skulls.
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8. Albert EinsteinE = MC2
In this iconic recording, Albert Einstein introduces and elaborates on his groundbreaking equation, E = MC2.
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7. Dylan ThomasDo not go gentle
Dylan Thomas, a renowned Welsh poet, is considered by many to be one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. In this recording, he reads his famous poem, 'Do not go gentle into that good night,' first published in 1951. The poem speaks to wise men, good men, wild men, and serious men, urging them to continue fighting for their passions even in the face of death. It’s a powerful, timeless message from a literary giant.
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6. The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel
I briefly mentioned this on the first list of recordings but didn’t go into detail. Now, it rightfully claims a spot on the list. This is the complete and authentic recording of the exorcism performed in Germany, which led to the notorious trial that inspired the movie 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose.' The young woman undergoing the exorcism was Anneliese Michel, and tragically, she died during the process. A disturbing photo of Anneliese after the exorcism can be found here. For a deeper dive, check out a detailed article on exorcism, complete with audio, video, and images here.
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5. Neville ChamberlainDeclaration of War on Germany
Following Germany's invasion of Poland, Great Britain declared war. In this recording, we hear British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain formally announcing the commencement of hostilities.
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4. King Edward VIIIThe abdication
Just months into his reign, King Edward VIII sparked a constitutional crisis when he proposed to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée. Though he could legally marry her and still remain king, the opposition from his prime ministers was fierce, as they believed the public would never accept her as queen. This recording marks the ex-King's first public address following his abdication.
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3. Thomas EdisonThe first human recording
This is the very first recording of a human voice, created in 1877. In this historic recording, we hear Thomas Edison himself recite the nursery rhyme 'Mary Had a Little Lamb.' Remarkably, the sound is surprisingly clear for its time.
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2. Georgia BrownThe world’s highest sung note
According to the Guinness World Records, Georgia Brown holds the record for the highest notes ever sung by a human. In the video above, you can hear her incredible vocal range in action. While I may not personally love it, there's no denying its historical significance. Georgia's vocal range spans an astonishing 8 octaves, from G2 to G10.
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1. Adolf HitlerProposes the Extermination of Jews
There are ongoing discussions in the comments section from individuals who deny the Holocaust occurred. Despite evidence, such as images, showing the truth of the event, some people still refuse to accept it. This recording is crucial because in it, Hitler openly declares that if Europe goes to war, the Jews will be wiped out. Below is a translation of his words:
And now, one more statement I would like to make on this memorable day, which may not only be significant for us Germans. I have often been seen as a prophet in my life, usually laughed at. During my rise to power, the Jews were the primary ones who laughed at my predictions that I would someday lead the state and the nation, and then, among many other things, solve the so-called Jewish question. I believe that today, the laughter of Jews in Germany that once echoed is probably now stuck in their throats. [applause; Hitler coughs]
Today, I want to be a prophet once again. If international finance Jewry within Europe and abroad should manage to once again plunge the world’s nations into war, the result will not be the spread of Bolshevism and a triumph for the Jews. On the contrary, it will lead to the annihilation of the Jewish race in Europe. [applause]
This recording was captured on January 30, 1939, marking the sixth anniversary of Hitler's ascent to power.
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