Collection

The archive has been acquiring audio and audiovisual recordings and various accompanying documentation, e.g. recording protocols, photographs, for over half a century. Currently, the collection contains about 16,000 magnetic tapes (originals and copies) as well as other recording media such as phonograph cylinders, shellac and vinyl discs, cassette tapes, Mini-Discs, video and film tapes. The phonographic collections of IAPAS hold ca. 150,000 recordings of songs and instrumental works from all regions of Poland, including the repertoire of post-war displaced communities and national minorities. Only about 25% of the collection are instrumental recordings, mainly dance music and ritual melodies, while the rest represents vocal repertoire. In addition to music recordings, the archive contains audio records of interviews, speeches, recitations and calls.