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.
In 1910, the recorded music industry was in the midst of a transformative era. The phonograph, invented by Thomas Edison in the late 19th century, had by this time become a household item in many urban homes. The flat disc records, introduced by Emile Berliner, had largely surpassed Edison's cylinder recordings in popularity, setting the stage for the dominance of the 78rpm disc that would last for decades.
Soldiers March from Faust
The "Soldier's Chorus" is one of the most recognizable and rousing pieces from Charles Gounod's opera "Faust." It appears in Act 4 and is sung by returning soldiers, celebrating the glory and honor of war and the camaraderie of military life. The chorus is characterized by its robust melodies, rhythmic precision, and triumphant spirit, capturing the essence of valor and pride.
The Birth of Passion
"Madame Sherry" is an American operetta with music by Karl Hoschna and a libretto by Otto Harbach. It premiered in 1910, making it a fitting choice for your 1910-themed livestream. The operetta was produced at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway and enjoyed significant success, running for over 230 performances.
The story revolves around the antics of a French dancing master named Monsieur Sherry, who is trying to pass off his dance studio as a finishing school to deceive his visiting niece. The plot is filled with mistaken identities, comedic misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements, all set to a backdrop of catchy and memorable tunes.
"The Birth of Passion" is one of the standout numbers from "Madame Sherry." Given the operetta's comedic and romantic themes, the song adds depth and emotion to the production, offering a moment of introspection amidst the lighthearted chaos. It captures the essence of the era's fascination with love, romance, and the complexities of human relationships.
Rigoletto - Quartet
The quartet "Bella figlia dell'amore" (Beautiful daughter of love) from Act III of Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto" is one of the most celebrated ensembles in all of opera. This quartet is a sublime moment where Verdi masterfully intertwines four distinct vocal lines, each expressing different emotions and perspectives. The Duke, a womanizer, sings of his new conquest; Maddalena is flattered and amused by his advances; Gilda, heartbroken, realizes the Duke's true nature; and Rigoletto, her father, feels a mix of anger and sorrow as he witnesses his daughter's pain.
Enrico Caruso: One of the most famous tenors in the history of opera, Caruso's voice was known for its power, warmth, and expressiveness. His recordings, especially for the Victrola label, played a significant role in popularizing opera in the early 20th century.
Marcella Sembrich: A renowned Polish coloratura soprano, Sembrich was celebrated for her impeccable technique, crystal-clear tone, and emotional depth. Her collaborations with Caruso were particularly noteworthy, and together they created some of the most memorable recordings of their era.
Antonio Scotti: An Italian baritone, Scotti was known for his rich voice and charismatic stage presence. His portrayal of characters was deeply emotive, making him a favorite among opera enthusiasts.
Louise Homer (née Severina): An American contralto, she was known for the depth and richness of her voice. Her collaborations with the likes of Caruso and Scotti were highly acclaimed, and she was a regular fixture at the Metropolitan Opera.
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!
