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.
Yep, I'm late, again. Sadly, I do sleep every night. I'm sure if I didn't I'd be more on time. Alas.
This week is all about 1905. Yes. 1905. 118 years ago.
By 1905 the world was on the brink of numerous technological and cultural revolutions, and the music industry was no exception. The early 20th century was a period of transformation, innovation, and exploration in the realm of music; Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph had been around already for nearly three decades. However, it was during the early 1900s that this device began to gain widespread popularity. The phonograph transformed music from a live, ephemeral experience into something that could be captured, preserved, and replayed at will. This shift had profound implications for musicians, producers, and consumers alike.
In 1905, the Victor Talking Machine Company, founded by Eldridge R. Johnson, was at the forefront of the phonograph industry. Having introduced the iconic “Victrola” record player a few years earlier, the company was experiencing rapid growth and success. Their trademark image, the “His Master’s Voice” logo featuring a dog named Nipper listening intently to a phonograph, had become synonymous with quality and innovation in recorded music. Victor’s records, with their distinctive black and gold labels, were highly sought after, and the company had exclusive contracts with some of the biggest musical talents of the day. Their Camden, New Jersey factory was a hub of activity, producing thousands of phonographs and records to meet the growing demand. The company’s emphasis on both technological advancement and artistic excellence positioned it as a dominant force in the music industry, setting standards that would influence the world of recorded sound for decades to come.
I will admit that I hold some fascination with the Victor Talking Machine Company for two reasons:
Now, music.
Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata” is one of the most celebrated operas in the classical repertoire, and its duets are particularly renowned for their emotional depth and musical brilliance. The “Traviata-Duetto” captures the essence of the opera’s tragic love story, weaving together the voices of the two protagonists in a harmonious yet heart-wrenching melody.
“Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” is one of Richard Wagner’s most celebrated operas, and its overture is particularly renowned for its grandeur and melodic richness. The “Die Meistersinger - March” encapsulates the spirit of the opera, capturing its majestic themes in a condensed form. Sousa’s Band, under the leadership of the “March King” John Philip Sousa, brought their own distinctive flair to this classic piece. Their rendition, recorded on the Victor Records label under number 31427, is a testament to the ensemble’s versatility and musical prowess. While Sousa’s Band was primarily known for its rousing marches, this recording showcased their ability to adeptly navigate the complexities of classical compositions. The brass and woodwinds intertwine seamlessly, delivering Wagner’s intricate harmonies with precision and passion. For aficionados of both Wagner’s works and vintage recordings, this version by Sousa’s Band remains a treasured auditory experience, bridging the worlds of opera and band music.
I'm stuck on Wagner this week, too.
Richard Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin” is renowned for its ethereal melodies and profound themes, and “Lohengrin’s Herkunft” (often referred to as “Lohengrin’s Narrative”) stands as one of its most poignant moments. In this aria, the titular character Lohengrin reveals his mysterious origins, weaving a tale of heroism and divine intervention. The 1905 recording on the Victor Records label, number 85090, features the tenor Ellison Van Hoose, whose voice captures the depth and emotion of Wagner’s composition. Van Hoose’s rendition is marked by its clarity, passion, and technical precision, bringing to life the haunting beauty of the aria. This particular recording, set against the backdrop of the early 20th century’s burgeoning recording industry, serves as a testament to the era’s dedication to preserving the grandeur of classical opera. For those who cherish Wagner’s works and the golden age of phonograph recordings, Ellison Van Hoose’s interpretation of “Lohengrin’s Herkunft” remains an invaluable piece of musical history.
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
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