Deutsche Grammophon

Deutsche Grammophon AG was a German record company established in Berlin in 1898 as a branch of the Gramophone Company, which was founded by Emile Berliner's representatives. This company was instrumental in the early development of the recording industry in Europe, alongside its affiliates in London and France.1

The early years of recording saw the rise of both cylinder and disc formats. While initially popular for novelty, recordings soon began to feature prominent artists, particularly in classical music. The introduction of the "Red Seal" series by Victor and its European affiliates, including Deutsche Grammophon, helped elevate the cultural perception of recorded music, featuring artists like Enrico Caruso.1

During World War I, ties with Deutsche Grammophon were severed, and after the war, it re-emerged as the independent Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft (DGG). The company is renowned for its association with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, which has a long history of acclaimed performances and recordings since the 1920s.12