On June 29, 1888, George Edward Gouraud, an enthusiastic promoter of Thomas Edison's phonograph, made a significant recording of George Frideric Handel's major choral work, 'Israel in Egypt'. The performance was held in London, featuring prominent voices of the time, including the eminent choir and orchestral players. Gouraud's ambition was to document this monumental piece of music using the phonograph, a revolutionary invention at the time that enabled sound to be captured and played back. By recording such a substantial work, Gouraud aimed to showcase the potential of Edison's technology in music preservation and dissemination. The choice of Handel's 'Israel in Egypt' was particularly meaningful due to its grand scale and religious themes, appealing to both the public and academics interested in cultural heritage.

The recording itself utilized a wax cylinder, a medium that would become synonymous with early sound recording. Gouraud's meticulous approach and his choice of a major masterpiece underscored the growing interest in recorded sound. This endeavor was not merely about documenting sound itself but also about capturing the essence of musical performance, which was central to the practice of creating music in the late 19th century. As such, this recording opened doors for more complex musical works to be recorded and appreciated by a broader audience.

Over the years, Gouraud's recording of 'Israel in Egypt' was considered the oldest known recording of music, sparking interest in the field of phonography. It revealed the urgent desire of society at that period to preserve cultural expressions through technological advancements. This singular act not only highlighted the capabilities of modern recording technology but also marked a transformative moment in the relationship between music and technology, setting the stage for the future evolution of the music industry.