Why The Windows 95 Startup Sound Stays Forever

Don’t we all recall the iconic Windows 95 startup tune, a melodious earworm, or the original Minecraft soundtrack? It’s likely even your parents have given it a listen. The Library of Congress seems to agree as well.

What Exactly Is The LOC?

The Library of Congress, a massive national library situated in the United States, is among the biggest libraries globally. It amasses an extensive variety of materials including books, films, photographs, maps, and more, plus audio recordings – all with the intention of conserving them for future generations.

This resource aids the U.S. Congress in conducting research and analysis, while remaining accessible to anyone curious or seeking knowledge. A substantial portion of the content is digitized, making it possible for individuals to uncover fresh insights and retain the information for personal use.

Recently, the Library of Congress (LOC) has revealed that it’s expanded its massive audio collection by incorporating the iconic startup jingle from Windows 95 and the theme music for “Minecraft: Volume Alpha”. Back in 2019, they added the original Super Mario soundtrack, marking its historical significance in the video game world. These additions suggest that the LOC is becoming more open to preserving video game audio recordings.

A Sound That Announces A New Beginning

Back in the day, the iconic startup tune for Windows 95, recognized far and wide, was crafted by musician Brian Eno. Microsoft aimed for a brief, catchy melody that conveyed an air of inspiration, futurism, and friendliness. Since Eno wasn’t even a Windows user himself, they provided him with key words like “optimistic,” “emotional,” and “modern” as guidelines to help shape his composition.

He penned more than 80 mini-compositions, one of which ended up being chosen – it was twice as long as initially intended. Notably, he also composed these on a Mac. For many, the sound offers a strong dose of nostalgia. And indeed, the experts at LOC believe that this short track evokes feelings of optimism and advancement. It creates a sense of belonging in a fresh technological epoch.


You Are Not Alone – This Soundtrack Is Always There For You

Not many are aware of who’s responsible for the music in Minecraft. In truth, it is Daniel Rosenfeld, a German composer, who was asked by Markus “Notch” Persson to compose tunes for his latest game. Daniel aimed to produce soothing, ambient sounds that wouldn’t interfere with the gaming experience. His goal was not to draw attention with the music but rather to complement it. However, it turned out to be much more than just a background accompaniment.

scarcely can another game boast an atmosphere as Minecraft does, setting it apart in video game lore. The opening moments of each melody evoke nostalgia for simpler times, and to this day, Minecraft continues to captivate audiences (having produced a successful Minecraft film) – making it the highest-selling game ever sold.

What sound recordings can you think of that should definitely be preserved?

Read More

2025-05-13 21:39