Three Tune Tuesday - Visiting 1914

10 months ago

It's time again for Three Tune Tuesday, that day of the week where members of the Hive community shares three songs of their liking with the rest of the community.

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I take a slow, relaxing approach to Three Tune Tuesday: I like to share pre-1924 78rpm songs from my collection, and record them while playing on an appropriate time-period windup phonograph. I encourage you to take a few moments and slow down with me. Settle down, close your eyes, and take yourself back.. way back.. in time, to a distant uncle's parlour in the early 1920's. There are comfortable seats, pleasant conversation, and old music.

This week we're visiting songs from 1914.

It's a Long Long Way to Tipperary

It's a Long Long Way to Tipperary, a melody woven into the fabric of World War I, holds a special place in the annals of history. Written by Jack Judge and Harry Williams in 1912, it gained immense popularity among British and Irish soldiers during the Great War. The song's significance lies not just in its catchy tune, but in the emotions it stirred in the hearts of those who sang it, those soldiers marching to the front lines in WWI.

Dans le Bois

Mischa Elman, one of my favourite classical violinists, performs this song. Dans le Bois, translated roughly as "From In the Forest", is a musical representation of the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife.

The Star Spangled Banner

Though, by 1914, the United States had not yet entered WWI, but the spectre of war loomed over much of the world. This rendition of the United States' national anthem, particularly in the context of 1914, is a powerful reminder of the nation's burgeoning sense of identity and patriotism on the eve of its involvement in World War I. The Victor Military Band's interpretation brings a robust and spirited energy to the anthem, reflecting the national mood of pride and determination that was prevalent during this era.