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On the morning of 12 November, 1931, Britain鈥檚 most venerable composer, Sir Edward Elgar, performed the opening ceremony of what became the most famous recording venue in the world: Abbey Road Studios. Luckily for us, the occasion was filmed for Path茅 News.

As the film begins, The London Symphony Orchestra is assembled on a steeply banked stage. Elgar strides towards the platform, flanked by two men, presumably from the management of the new company Electric and Musical Industries (EMI for short) which owns the studios as well as the famous His Master's Voice label. The 74-year-old-composer takes off his overcoat and hands it to one of the EMI bods, before springing up the steps to the platform. The members of the Orchestra rise to their feet and begin tapping their bows in appreciation.

"Good morning, gentlemen," says Elgar (for indeed, the LSO consists entirely of men in 1931). "We have a very light programme for you this morning. Please play this tune as if you鈥檝e never heard it before." He raises his arms and the velvety strains of the trio from his Pomp and Circumstance March Number 1 - otherwise known as Land of Hope and Glory - become the first sounds to be recorded at Abbey Road.

From that day on, musical history was routinely made in this St John鈥檚 Wood villa - selected not only for its proximity to the heart of London鈥檚 musical life, but also for its isolation from the noise and vibration of trains and traffic. Stereo recording was just one of the technological innovations to be invented there, and countless stars passed through its doors.

But Sir Edward Elgar and the LSO were there first.

This is one of 100 significant musical moments explored by 麻豆社 Radio 3鈥檚 Essential Classics as part of Our Classical Century, a 麻豆社 season celebrating a momentous 100 years in music from 1918 to 2018. Visit bbc.co.uk/ourclassicalcentury to watch and listen to all programmes in the season.

This archive recording is by the 麻豆社 Symphony Orchestra with conductor Sakari Oramo.

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