The research library “Library of Congress” regularly selects sound documents that are worth preserving forever. Now two legendary recordings have been added.
Who doesn't remember the Windows 95 startup sound? A real treat for the ears. Or the Minecraft soundtrack from the very first versions of the game? Even your parents have probably heard it. The Library of Congress thinks so too.
What Exactly Is The LOC?
The Library of Congress is the huge national library of the USA and is one of the largest in the world. It collects pretty much everything: books, films, photos, maps and much more, as well as sound recordings - and preserves them for “posterity”.
It helps the US Congress with research and analysis, but is also open to anyone who wants to know or discover something. Much of the material is digitized so that everyone can discover something new here and keep it for themselves.
Now the LOC has announced that it has added the start jingle of Windows 95 and “Minecraft: Volume Alpha” to its collection of almost 4 million sound documents. Just 2 years ago, the library added the soundtrack of the first Super Mario to its list for its contribution to video game history. These developments show that the LOC is ready to recognize more video game recordings.
A Sound That Announces A New Beginning
The famous Windows 95 startup sound was composed by musician Brian Eno. Microsoft wanted a short, memorable sound that was "inspiring, futuristic and friendly". Eno (who was not a Windows user himself) was given a list of terms such as "optimistic", "emotional" and "modern".
He wrote over 80 mini-compositions, one of which was eventually selected - twice as long as originally planned. It's funny to note that for this, he also worked on a Mac. For many, the sound is the ultimate nostalgia charge. And rightly so! Because the LOC is also of the opinion that the short track conveys a feeling of hope and progress. It makes you feel "welcome" in a new era of technology.
You Are Not Alone - This Soundtrack Is Always There For You
Few people know the name behind C418. It is the German composer Daniel Rosenfeld, whom Minecraft creator Markus “Notch” Persson approached to ask him to create music for his new game. C418 wanted to create calm, atmospheric sounds that would not distract from the gameplay. Music that accompanies rather than attracts attention. But it was much more than that.
Hardly any other game lives from its atmosphere the way Minecraft does. The rest is video game history: Not only do the first few seconds of each track remind us of carefree times, even today Minecraft is not only incredibly popular (with the successful Minecraft movie), it is the best-selling game of all time.
What sound recordings can you think of that should definitely be preserved?