Miguel Llobet’s 1929 Recordings in Barcelona and Buenos Aires. An Example of the Transnational Operations of the Lindström Recording Company

Abstract

In March 1929 Miguel Llobet signed a recording contract with the multinational Lindström. He would record solo and duo works with María Luisa Anido in Barcelona and Buenos Aires, and his records would be released in Spain, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, German and the United States on the Parlophon, Odeon and Decca labels. The preservation of the contract and payments made for record sales enable us to understand the relationship between the performer and the recording company and the execution of the contract in terms of the choice of repertoire, recording, release and sales. These documents reveal how the Spanish and Argentine headquarters of the record company were able to work together throughout the whole process of producing the records. The article will also discuss the criteria Miguel Llobet used to decide on the repertoire to be recorded, in accordance with his role in rejuvenating the guitar repertory, without forgetting commercial interests. Finally, it shows how recordings were an important element in Miguel Llobet’s career, enhancing his reputation as a famous performer.