zithering...
"note: play at low volume for realism; the zither is not a loud instrument"
according to the liner notes, ruth welcome was the "acknowledged high priestess of her antique instrument" - the zither. she grew up in germany and basel before studying at julliard. these recordings are probably from the mid 1950's.
although there is a potential for irony here, this recording is haunting and quite beautiful. welcome's performance is intimate, delicate, and has a kind of informal quality that feels like you're at her house and she's simply playing music for you.
i've posted it as one long track to keep the feeling intact...a record spinning from the needle drop to the needle lift - with all the artifacts of a 10" red vinyl object's life lived through multiple listenings and handlings. it also sounds a bit like a little film.
click here to listen to ruth welcome playing her zither.
3 Comments:
This was so nice to come home to… The first LP I ever bought was quite random and it was zither music!! So the sound kind of holds a lot of memories for me (in a good way)…
It’s all about the Appalachian dulcimer in these parts… K
appalachian dulcimers are ok with me!!!!!
Just purchased a copy at Goodwill a copy of her record Christmas in Zitherland (Capitol Records T1782). Inscribed on the back of the jacket is the following: "To Belle-- Merry Christmas, Ruth Welcome."
Trying to figure out who she was and why so many people liked the Zither.
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