Soul Music

For the second time in less than a week, G’s violin finds itself in the spotlight. Its sound can be heard almost every day in our home as he practises pieces for one ensemble or another. Today it is a gorgeous Dvorak string quartet he’s working on, preparing for tomorrow’s session with three other musicians - and he’s happy for me to try to capture sound with my camera as he plays.  

I don’t think you can look at a violin without a sense of its musical resonance - and more. Its sinuous shape, the richness and warmth of the grain, the specks of resin on its polished surface. Like most violins, G’s has been held by many hands.  Watching him play, I wonder how many other violinists have held this instrument in its 150 or so years of life. Made somewhere in Central Europe back in the latter years of the nineteenth century, it’s seen some troubled history, playing melodies through two world wars. And for almost 5O years it’s been with G, bought when he was studying music in Cardiff, played daily then, before less frequent outings in irregular performances, eventually lying almost forgotten in its case. 

Now, of course, you know its story. Restored to use and loved with daily - almost daily - play, it sings again.  

Thanks to loulou164 for hosting!