Friday, June 8, 2012

Still Life With Stringed Instruments

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Gypsy Caravan 2012-05-28 31

From a sale table at the Gypsy Caravan. I've had a go at both of these instruments in my time. I took violin for five or six years when I was a kid. Although classical music was a great love even in childhood, attempts to play the fiddle were a failure: good ears, bad hands.  I could distinguish Heifetz from Stern on recordings but my clumsy fingers couldn't play double-stops or trills to save my life. Later, I picked up a used electric guitar. Never made it past Louie Louie for the same reason. The image brings back memories, though.

11 comments:

Paul in Powell River said...

OMG, that's the same tune I couldn't get past either!

cieldequimper said...

Arguably my favourite instrument. Never tried it but will always hear Christian Ferras' interpretation of Brahms' violin concerto in my head.

Nic said...

The one I regret not learning. They say it's never too late, but I don't believe them.

Kate said...

Musical instruments make great photos.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Gorgeous image Bob, this old violin looks like it could tell tales, lovely warm wood where the light hits it.

Jack said...

Bravo, Bob. These two old string instruments make for a strong image in your capable hands. Your hands were designed for cameras, not fiddles.

PJ said...

Nice, it's good to see well used objects that have prevailed. So much just goes to the landfill because it can't be fixed.

Anonymous said...

Good ears can initially work against learning the violin. A music educator I know once despaired of ever mounting a beginner's string class for adults -- "Nobody who knows what a fiddle is supposed to sound like can stand to hear their own practicing." -- Rick in Chesterfield

Stefan Jansson said...

Musical instruments are always interesting. I tried my hands on the guitar when I was a kid, but there was no talent in me for that sort of thing.

Nathalie said...

Yep, the composition works for me. Great choice!

Jilly said...

What is it about old musical instruments that make them so fascinating to photograph? The patina, the music one can hear ...?