The first recording of the Albanian national anthem found

It is an old recording, an original recording, very rare which can only be played on a fast speed gramophone. The Albanian National Anthem based on the lyrics of the Albanian poet of the Renaissance Period Asdreni, is sung in a duet by the Italian tenor Giuseppe Mauro and the patriotic musician and poet from Korca of Albania Tasi Ilo. This record was produced by the Albanian Phonograf Records, owned by Ilo. This special recording is located in the archives of Vangjo Ilo, the son of the musician from Kocra. It bears a red label in the center on which the name of the record company, “The Spiridon Record Company,” is printed together with the respective registration number E-3948, “Albanian anthem,” the names of the singers and “Record and Phonograf Albanian.” Mauro during the registration of this record was invited to New York by the Metropolitan Opera to interpret there the role of Othello, Verdi’s opera of the same title. However, it is difficult to find such records today although in these archives Vangjel Ilo has another record, a variant of the same year, registered by the same company. (Tirana Times Staff)