04 November 2011

Sepia Saturday 99: Fiddling Around

Chester Arthur Warwick, far right, ca 1923-1933, photographer unknown, probably Columbus, Ohio
Pictured at far right is Chester Arthur Warwick (1903-1973) fiddling around on his banjo. The photo was probably taken ca 1923-1933 based on Chester's age at the time (20s). There is not a violin in sight.  But, when it was time for my sister to choose an instrument to play, a violin emerged from Grandpa Warwick's attic. This was very fortunate for my sister who put it to excellent and delightful use.

Violin would not have been my first choice of instrument though I didn't really think about it much at the time. A violin was available and it was always assumed that I would play it. I found practicing violin more torture than pleasure. (Who wants to listen to yourself screech when you could listen to your virtuoso sister!) Once a piece was learned and you could actually play it, now that was heaven on earth.

My first recital is indelibly written in my memory and preserved on film as well. I can still remember my knees shaking and am thankful that no video or audio recording remains!  I made it through the piece but only because Mrs. Rumberg relinquished at the last minute and allowed me to use my music.

Liz Stratton, Mrs. Rumberg's Recital, Longmont, Colorado
Over time, Mrs. Rumberg learned how to insure my pieces were memorized before the annual recital. No waltzes or marches! She sent me home with 'gypsy' music, La Traviata.  Only much later did I realize the music was from an opera!  Now, what exactly was Mrs. Rumberg trying to tell me with her choice of opera?

Sepia Saturday 99  features a photograph depicting a troop of musicians including a few fiddlers. Had such a 'gypsy' ensemble been one of the school's musical groups, I would, no doubt, have practiced my school music more! For other takes on this musical theme, see Sepia Saturday.

16 comments:

  1. Cute picture. I can almost see your knees shaking.

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  2. Two fine pictures. Musically inept I was pleased that I could identify the banjo in your first photo. I can't imagine anything worse that have to go solo on an instrument at any age - let alone as young as you were.

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  3. Postcardy, Bob - Truly terrifying!

    Ticklebear, I now know why I had so much empathy for the 'me' on your photos. Inscribed on the back of the recital photo in my childish hand, "Me playing my violin at a recital at Mrs. Rumbergs." - At least I recorded one name!

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  4. Two lovely photos that match the theme perfectly. The look of apprehension on your face speaks volumes.

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  5. You're looking very brave, behind the sheet music. Do you still play?

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  6. Stories like this make me thankful my mother didn't insist that I learn an instrument. Trembling knees would have een the least of my worries.

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  7. What a priceless photo of your recital. I feel your pain.
    Nancy Javier

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  8. Thank goodness, I only used to sing, not play an instrument! Hat's off to you! ♥

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  9. Two pictures both packed with history and memories. And packed with music too - I can almost see the notes fluttering out from behind the photographs.

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  10. That whole thing looks scary to me. One of my worst childhood memories was a piano recital where I bombed Claire de Lune (sp)? despite MUCH practice. The parents of a friend took me out for ice cream. My grandmother, on the other hand, said I should have practiced more.

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  11. Hi, Liz -
    I've given you the One Lovely Blog Award. For details please visit http://nancysfamilyhistoryblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/one-lovely-blog-award-abt-march-2011.html to learn more about it and get the badge. Congratulations!

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  12. Martin, sadly I haven't played in years. I quit after HS and when I started again, found it extraordinarily painful to miss notes. My instructor was also certain that he could get me to play a proper waltz. Disaster! Rhythm is not my strong suit.

    Kathy, my parents took me out for ice cream. Fortunately my grandmother was spared the agony of the recital.

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  13. Both photos give the appearance of being taken onboard a ship. Perhaps that accounts for the queasy feeling. Great post.

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  14. You were braver than me, I could never imagine myself playing in public!

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  15. Nancy, Thanks for thinking of me.

    Mike, You would be even more queasy if you had heard the music! It is somewhat odd that both snaps were taken at an angle.

    Caminante, Not brave - no choice!

    Thanks all for stopping by.

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  16. Oh,The Violin is my favourite instrument.Hats Off for what is one of the most unforgiving ones to play in Public.

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Comments welcome!