Music from Windows 95 and Minecraft Now Preserved at the Library of Congress
Two iconic pieces of music, including Brian Eno's Windows 95 startup jingle and the soundtrack for Minecraft, have been recognized for their cultural significance.
The Minecraft original soundtrack and the Windows 95 startup jingle, the latter by noted composer Brian Eno, have now been included in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. This collection recognizes significant cultural recordings within the United States.
This year saw a total of 25 recordings added due to their importance in the nation’s sound heritage. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, stated, “These are the sounds of America, our wide-ranging history and culture. The National Recording Registry is our evolving nation’s playlist.”
Daniel Rosenfeld, known by his stage name C418, composed the Minecraft soundtrack released in 2011. The Windows 95 jingle, on the other hand, was crafted by Eno, who jokingly noted its brevity like crafting a gem. He created numerous iterations, ultimately leading to a piece that stretched just beyond three seconds.
Other notable inductees this year include Miles Davis’s album Bitches Brew, Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and several significant singles from artists like Helen Reddy and Celine Dion.
