Hearing the Zither Once More
It began with a zither player named Tomy Temerson who came aboard our river boat in Germany to provide an evening of surprise entertainment.
His “zithermusik” was fabulous as we listened to tunes like Edelweiss, La vie en Rose, Maria Elena, and the theme from the Third Man.
The zither, according to Tomy, originated in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (the German speaking countries of Europe). And although it is an ancient musical instrument, its heyday was in the 1920’s. If you could not afford a piano you would buy a zither. Tomy played for us on an instrument made in 1928.
Bill was especially excited to hear this music since he listened to his mother play when he was a young boy. And we were so moved by the beautiful music and the unexpected surprise of the evening that we were both on the verge of tears.
From: http://musicofyesterday.com
A zither is a stringed instrument that is plucked with a “plectrum” and could be one of the most ancient musical instruments. It consists of a flat box which lies on the table, strung with five metal strings passing over the frets, and from 27 to 40 strings of various kinds played as open strings plucked with the fingers to form the accompaniment to the melody which was played with a plectrum, on the strings nearest the performer.
Hungarian Gypsy Music
On another evening two violinists came aboard, accompanied by a guitar player.
They played classical music that was so heart rending we were literally struck dumb.
And then they veered off to Hungarian gypsy music!
When I was a young girl, my Hungarian father extolled the beauty of such music. He told me how it went from deeply tragic and sad to extremely lively and joyful, and that it inevitably would bring the listener to tears.
I was stunned to hear the music of my father’s origins played by a wonderful trio of beautiful talented young people.
And yes, I was brought to tears.
As you might imagine, we purchased both CD’s!
How wonderful to reconnect with the past in this way! Enjoy the CDs! Now that is the way to travel and the kind of entertainment I would enjoy!
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I would have bought them too. I was raised on German music — waltzes, polkas, etc. My Dad played in a band. He played the accordion. Whenever I hear that kind of music I’m taken right back to my childhood.
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How wonderful that you were treated to music that meant so much to both of you. I used to play Edelweiss on the piano!
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There’s nothing better than being brought to tear by music. What a special treat for you and Bill.
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With the CDs you’ll be able to revisit your tour again and again. Music does carry us away so easily!
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What a wonderful experience Dorann – many special memories.
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I once had a friend who said. Anyone who does not like and enjoy music was a Moron. !! What a beautiful instrument the Zither is Dora and I would have been delighted to have been sitting there with you listening to that wonderful zither player, “Handsome to boot” Music can be very moving so I can understand the tears. My favourite classical piece of music is ” Ravel’s Bolero “
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Sounds wonderful!
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