It's time again for Three Tune Tuesday, that day of the week where members of the Hive community shares three songs of their liking with the rest of the community.
I know, I post Three Tune Tuesday on Wednesday. It's done by design! I run a Three Tune Tuesday livestream on Tuesday, then post the songs the next day. Want to be the first to hear them? Tune in live!
12:00pm (noon) EDT
17:00 UTC
https://blindskeleton.one/radio/
I take a slow, relaxing approach to Three Tune Tuesday: I like to share pre-1924 78rpm songs from my collection, and record them while playing on an appropriate time-period windup phonograph. I encourage you to take a few moments and slow down with me. Settle down, close your eyes, and take yourself back.. way back.. in time, to a distant uncle's parlour in the early 1920's. There are comfortable seats, pleasant conversation, and old music.
This week for TTT I'm visiting the year 1906.
In the year 1906, the music industry was in a state of rapid transformation, closely intertwined with the cultural shifts occurring during that time. This period marked the height of the Belle Époque in Europe, a time of relative peace and prosperity that embraced artistic innovation, urbanization, and technological advancements. These factors played a significant role in shaping both the music industry and the cultural landscape of the era.
Technological innovations, such as the emergence of the gramophone and the phonograph, revolutionized the way music was consumed and distributed. These devices allowed for the mass production of recorded music, making it more accessible to a wider audience than ever before. The rise of the 78rpm record format facilitated the spread of musical genres, from classical to popular songs and everything in between. This democratization of music created a cultural shift as diverse musical styles began to intersect, impacting the tastes and preferences of listeners.
American Tunes - Medley
The record “American Tunes - Medley” by Peter Lewin encapsulates the vibrant interplay between music and culture during the year 1906. As the Belle Époque flourished, society was witnessing profound cultural shifts. This medley is a testament to the musical diversity that emerged from the cultural crossroads of the time. With each note, it embodies the fusion of musical genres and influences that reflected the cosmopolitan nature of cities, where cultures converged and intermingled.
Drawing inspiration from a medley format, Peter Lewin ingeniously weaves together a tapestry of melodies that mirrors the tapestry of cultures coexisting in urban environments. Ragtime syncopations and lilting waltz rhythms intermingle, echoing the rhythm of bustling city streets and the elegance of grand ballrooms. This convergence of musical styles speaks to the cultural diversity and openness of the era, where music transcended boundaries and united people through a shared sonic language.
Souvenir de Moscow
“Souvenir de Moscow” by Mischa Elman, a masterpiece that hails from the enchanting year of 1906.
“Mischa Elman’s violin sings, and the world listens,” were words often spoken in reverence of this virtuoso. Born in Russia in 1891, Elman’s prodigious talent found its home in the melodies of his violin. “Souvenir de Moscow” stands as a testament to his prowess, evoking an evocative musical landscape that allows us to travel back in time and bask in the warmth of his artistry.
Lohengrin - Elsa’s Traum
Emma Juch, a soprano whose talents graced both the operatic stage and the realms of recorded music, serves as a poignant reminder of the vocal virtuosity of her time. Born in 1860, her interpretation of “Lohengrin - Elsa’s Traum” presents an opportunity to explore the magic of her voice, which resonated with audiences in the early 20th century.
“Lohengrin” is a romantic opera composed by Richard Wagner. Premiered in 1850, the opera is set in the 10th century and is based on medieval German legends and epic poetry. The story revolves around themes of love, honor, chivalry, and the supernatural, and it explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships within a mythical and historical context.
The opera’s plot centers around the character Elsa of Brabant, a young noblewoman falsely accused of murder. In her distress, she prays for a champion to defend her innocence. Her prayers are answered when a knight in shining armor named Lohengrin arrives in a boat drawn by a swan, promising to be her champion. Lohengrin offers his assistance under the condition that Elsa never asks him about his true identity or origin.
Elsa and Lohengrin fall in love and marry, and their union symbolizes the ideals of chivalry and romantic devotion. However, Elsa’s curiosity gets the better of her, and she eventually breaks the condition by asking Lohengrin about his origins. As a consequence, Lohengrin is compelled to reveal that he is a knight sent by the Holy Grail and must return to his mystical realm. Despite their love, Lohengrin must leave Elsa, and he departs on the same swan-driven boat that brought him.
Three Tune Tuesday (TTT) is initiated by 
I run a live stream of my TTT songs every Tuesday at 12:00pm EDT, then take that stream and share the songs from it here, on Hive, on Wednesday (or occasionally Thursday). These songs are all old pre-1923 78rpm records from my collection, played on my antique phonographs and recorded with a well placed microphone. Like what you hear? Come listen live!
Online Radio: https://blindskeleton.one/radio/
Three Tune Tuesday Live Stream: 12:00pm (noon) EST
Listen to the podcast!
https://blindskeleton.one/blind-skeleton-podcasts/
(c) All images and photographs, unless otherwise specified, are created and owned by me.
(c) Victor Wiebe
Blind Skeleton
Online Radio! 24x7 of OTR classics:
Live shows:
The Skeleton Brew coffee shop is open!
