Repertoires of Music Bands in Osaka During the 1920s: Focusing on the Great Osaka Commemorative Exposition and Radio Programs

Abstract

In 1925, not only the Great Osaka Commemorative Exposition was held from March 15 to April 30, but also the Osaka Broadcasting Station began radio broadcasting on June 1. This paper examines music performed at the exposition and on the radio program by five music bands that were active in Osaka at the time: the Osaka Music Band, Mitsukoshi Band, Izumoya Band, Matsuzakaya Band, and Takashimaya Band. Further, apart from the Osaka Music Band, information on the formation and disbandment of the music bands was added to discuss the formation of their repertoires. This revealed that especially the Mitsukoshi Band and Izumoya Band made numerous performances at the exposition and on the radio program, and that while the Izumoya Band performed mainly as a brass band, the Mitsukoshi Band performed as a brass band, orchestra, and jazz band, forming a wide repertoire.