Link to source audio: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Edison_cylinder_Lost_Chord.ogg In 1888, Thomas Edison sent his "Perfected" Phonograph to Mr. George Gouraud in London, England, and on August 14, 1888, Gouraud introduced the phonograph to London in a press conference, including the playing of a piano and cornet recording of Sullivan's "The Lost Chord," one of the first recordings of music ever made. A series of parties followed, introducing the phonograph to members of society at the so-called "Little Menlo" in London. On October 5th, 1888, Sir Arthur Sullivan attended a "phonograph party" hosted by the Edison corporation; during the party, Sullivan was persuaded to make a phonograph of his voice. After dinner, he recorded a speech to be sent to Thomas Edison, saying, in part: " I can only say that I am astonished and somewhat terrified at the result of this evening's experiments: astonished at the wonderful power you have developed, and terrified at the thought that so much hideous and bad music may be put on record forever. But all the same I think it is the most wonderful thing that I have ever experienced, and I congratulate you with all my heart on this wonderful discovery." This message was meant to serve as a sort of futuristic letter, similar to the e-mail we have today.