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Street music: a blind ballad singer, 1815
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Street music: a blind ballad singer, 1815
A blind chaunter of old ballads, shown here accompanying his voice by playing upon a cat gut string drawn over a tea canister, and tied at both ends with a mop stick. Date: 1815
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Media ID 7242945
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10583157
1815 Ballad Ballads Blind Bowing Busking Improvised Instrument Musician Performance Poor Singer Unconventional Vagabond Voice Musical
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the moment of a blind ballad singer, engrossed in his heartfelt performance on a bustling street in 1815. The man, who goes by the title of a 'chaunter' or 'ballad singer,' showcases his unique musical prowess by playing an unconventional instrument. His instrument of choice is a catgut string, which he draws over a tea canister, securing each end with a mop stick. The raw, emotional power of his voice resonates through the scene, captivating the attention of a rapt audience. The woman in the foreground, with a look of deep concentration, leans in closely to listen, her hand reaching out to offer a coin as a token of appreciation. The man, with an air of humility and gratitude, bows in acknowledgment. His performance, a testament to his resilience and creativity, is a poignant reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and move the human spirit. This unconventional musical scene, with its improvised instrument and impromptu performance, speaks to the rich tapestry of musical traditions that existed during this era. The image, a poignant snapshot of a moment in time, offers a glimpse into the lives of the vagabond musicians who roamed the streets, sharing their art with anyone who would listen.
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