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1914 livingston il, zither club RPPC

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.