Of course, there's nothing better than a musical companion for these moments where we transcend time and space at the mercy of an author's words. There are two records which I'd been saving for just the right occasion, and even though my record player seems to be on the cusp of kaputt...I can't resist a set of tunes to surrender alongside.
The Wonderful Moving World - Narrated by Frank Sentry, singing by Minnette Shaffer
Minnette Productions, circa 1920's.
This 10 inch 33 is in three parts -each one of which consists of poetry, narration and song. A children's record series for first, second, and third graders.
I wasn't able to locate a date for this album unfortunately, and perhaps I didn't spend enough time scouring discogs -so alas, there's not much I can tell you about this record other than I am absolutely in love with these tender tracks so graciously featured. The vinyl itself is a clear ruby-red release, uncanny almost. I can't be sure how very rare this album might actually be, but as far as I can tell we may be the only ones who have a copy. Aside from one that might be buried in an attic…beneath a rack of stinking mink furs. No matter, each of these songs simply take my breath away. Part one is The Tumble Weeds; tumbleweeds tumble in the fall when the wind begins to call. Part two The Clock; this rhythmical excursion into the world of time aids in creative writing for children. And, the third and final installment is titled Raindrops; raindrops, rainbows and clouds have always been a mystery for children: What holds the clouds together? What is a rainbow? Where does the rain come from?
Hauntingly precious. At the same time, I find this record to be just lovely to fall asleep to. But if you happen to pick up one of our recommended readings we've assigned above, the truth is I don't think you'll be disappointed with this musical companion. The cover of the record is also quite a treat, although the illustrations have almost completely faded.
Eugene Fodor Solos [Tchaikovsky, Ysaye, Paganini]
Showpieces by Wieniawski & Prokofieff, piano by Jonathan Feldman
A storm from within enraptures you, so let yourself be hurled into the abyss of Fodor's melancholy serenades. Ballads of confidence fluttering around your peripherals, with each and every stroke mastered on strings by the young violinist; as Fodor was only 24 years old in 1974 -the debut of this collection itself. His capricious version of Prokofieff's March from "The Love for Three Oranges" is divine, especially beneath a dizzying sky.
This collection is not exactly the best representation of Fodor's work, but nonetheless it was the very last of what was left from when we sold off most of our records, back in 2022. Not featured on this album though, is Fodor's other masterpiece which I'd like to recommend; from Saint Saens:Violin Concerto, Op. 64 in E Minor: Allegro molto appassionato. This one I often play on repeat, imagining I am the only one to show up for a secret after-session performative, down the hallway from the stage where Fodor perhaps was taking a piss before heading home. But seeing me there, with an eagerness to confront the strange genius, he decides to play Op 64 one more time while I lay beneath a faux eucalyptus tree by the lobby, only inches from the strings of his violin. A girl can dream, can't she?
Until our next update, don't get sunscreen in your mouth and thanks so much for stopping by. What's been on your reading list as of late, fellow Venusian? We always love hearing feedback from our listeners, so please don't hesitate. If you have an insightful literary gem or a flavorful record you'd like to share with us -we're all earz.
