The Violin | A Ghost Story by Richard Marsh | Bitesized Audiobook

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  • čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
  • On receiving the gift of a "fine violin" from his un-musical uncle, Ernest is astonished to discover it was bought in a back-street junk shop for three shillings and sixpence. But it's soon apparent that the violin has a special quality all of its own... The story starts at 00:01:20
    Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
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    00:00:00 Introduction
    00:01:20 The Violin
    00:43:49 Credits, thanks and further listening
    About the author: Richard Marsh was the pen name of Richard Bernard Heldmann (1857-1915). He was a highly prolific author in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. Although somewhat overlooked today, he is probably best remembered for his 1897 supernatural thriller, 'The Beetle', published in the same year as Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' and initially far more popular, outselling it six times over.
    Richard Bernard Heldmann was born in North London into a family of lace merchants. He began his writing career in the early 1880s as a regular contributor to boys' adventure magazines, such as 'The Boy's Own Paper' and 'The Union Jack', a short-lived periodical of the 1880s edited by the author G. A. Henty. Heldmann rapidly rose to become co-editor with Henty in 1882, but he abruptly left the periodical the following year, apparently under a cloud: recently unearthed records indicate that in 1884 he was sentenced to 18 months hard labour for forging cheques. He certainly disappeared from the literary scene for several years, before re-emerging in 1888; it was at this point he began using the pen name Richard Marsh.
    During his subsequent career, Marsh produced over 70 books of fiction and many short stories in a range of genres, many of them with comic and/or horror elements. His short stories featured regularly in Cassell’s Magazine, The Strand Magazine, Cornhill Magazine, Household Words and many other magazines. He died in Haywards Heath, Sussex, in August 1915 from heart disease, at the age of 57. So prolific was he that he left several novels and stories unpublished at the time of his death, and they were published posthumously.
    Richard Marsh is also known to afficionados of supernatural and horror fiction as the grandfather of the celebrated 20th century author of supernatural "strange stories", Robert Aickman: Marsh's daughter, Mabel Violet Marsh, was Aickman's mother. (Robert Aickman is an author whose work is sometimes requested for me to read on the channel, but unfortunately his stories are all under copyright so can't be uploaded here.)
    'The Violin' first appeared in book form in Marsh's 1900 collection 'The Seen and the Unseen'. It's likely, given Marsh's prodigious contributions to contemporary periodicals, that it previously appeared in magazine form in the late 1890s, but this can't be stated with certainty.
    Recording © Bitesized Audio 2024
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Komentáře • 127

  • @BitesizedAudio
    @BitesizedAudio  Před 22 dny +34

    Story begins at 00:01:20. On receiving the gift of a "fine violin" from his un-musical uncle, Ernest is astonished to discover it was bought in a back-street junk shop for three shillings and sixpence. But it's soon apparent that the violin has a special quality all of its own...
    Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. Some background notes on the story and the author can be found in the video description. If you enjoy this, you may like to listen to some of my other recordings:
    Victorian Ghost Stories: czcams.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZISCGdeBUtYxynNFtZCeRrv.html
    Early 20th Century Ghost Stories: czcams.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZI0zeT0uMxvy9TkkoUvtOAZ.html
    Classic Detective Stories: czcams.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD.html

  • @mikereilly7629
    @mikereilly7629 Před 22 dny +36

    Thank you for being a real human voice... AI is an affront to the thousands of years of the story teller being the collective heart and memories of of people who would be forgotten in the mists of time

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Před 21 dnem +11

      And thank YOU Mike, for listening and for taking the time to comment! I heartily agree regarding AI... I refuse to use it in any form, including for cover artwork or research, let alone voice work, and I regret the amount of content these days which seems to be employing it. There seem to be an awful lot of channels popping up now which use AI voices (some of which pretend not to!), but to me the soulless readings are unlistenable. Perhaps I'm holding out against the inevitable, but no matter how intelligent AI is, I can't see how it can ever replicate the creative choices an actor or narrator makes when interpreting a text, different and individual every time

    • @mijiyoon5575
      @mijiyoon5575 Před 21 dnem +1

      @@BitesizedAudio Some AI channels are not doing well either for a reason, they are dreadful & the sound is like a tinny down inside a barrel sound. Unbearable to listen to

    • @mikereilly7629
      @mikereilly7629 Před 21 dnem +3

      @@BitesizedAudio I commented negatively on one that was particularly bad, bad pronunciation, grammatically atrocious,no vocal timing or nuance..at least the reply
      sounded like a genuine person by the amount of whinging about my bad taste, the number of likes and positive reviews etc.. didn't even finish reading his defensive protestations,...let alone reply... What is the use in running, when you are running the wrong way??

  • @SpuktasticAudio
    @SpuktasticAudio Před 22 dny +27

    That's my bedtime story sorted. See you under the duvet, cher Simon. ❤

  • @Lemma01
    @Lemma01 Před 22 dny +23

    Mr. Marsh seems like a new name to me; wonderful to be able to trust our narrator, and know one is "in safe hands". Your delivery remains that good deed shining in a naughty world, dropping like the gentle rain from heaven. Thank you. ❤

    • @bobbymarcum772
      @bobbymarcum772 Před 22 dny +4

      He is from an old Innsmouth family line if I am not mistaken

    • @stewartlancaster6155
      @stewartlancaster6155 Před 21 dnem +3

      there is another of his stories on this channel, The Houseboat.

    • @andrewbeale6072
      @andrewbeale6072 Před 21 dnem +4

      Marsh's novel The Beetle is also worth a listen. Greg Wagland read it for Sherlock Holmes Stories Magpie Audio.

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Před 21 dnem +5

      @Lemma01 You're most welcome, thank you for your kind comments. Yes, as Stewart says, I have done another story by Richard Marsh previously, 'The Houseboat'... I'm slightly astonished to find it was four years ago! And as Andrew says, Greg Wagland has done a great version of 'The Beetle' on his channel, highly recommended

    • @saran.4001
      @saran.4001 Před 21 dnem +3

      Yes, that is it. We can relax, listening to Simon. He never makes a mistake, always correct pronunciations. It draws you in like a smooth river of words. I listen to a lot of different narrations, love the speakers but they can pull some real clunkers. Simon never does.

  • @NathanKelly-cc1bj
    @NathanKelly-cc1bj Před 22 dny +25

    Just in time for a cozy evening, thank you , dear narrator. I work a pretty labourous job and settling in for the evening with a creepy or suspenseful story really hits the spot. Your calm, commanding voice is miles above the wannabes that try too hard with inflection or use stock music. Thank you Simon, you are one of a kind.
    Sincerely,
    Nathan ❤

  • @gerrykeane7331
    @gerrykeane7331 Před 22 dny +12

    What a touching story and, as always, exceptionally read. Thank you, Simon.

  • @ginabeena6757
    @ginabeena6757 Před 22 dny +8

    Aww, what a sad, tragic story! Makes me want to feed every skinny person I see!

  • @marshathornburg4352
    @marshathornburg4352 Před 22 dny +9

    My husband and I just love your stories!! Thank you Simon😊

  • @nsob8897
    @nsob8897 Před 22 dny +5

    Ever the fan of pretty music that i am, i cant imagine a more appropriate and yet sad ending for a character or a real person.
    I love violin music almost as much as i love piano. Neither of which am i worth even laughing at when i play but still, i envy the people who can express so much in that beautiful language that our species has learned.
    I wish i had someone to push me to learn violin when i was young. Even if i could just barely drag a tune behind me much less carry one, id still be happy that i had tried.
    Anyway, thanks for the story. Its always good to hear one that has to do with music.

    • @evelanpatton
      @evelanpatton Před 21 dnem

      I enjoy stories where music plays an important motivation within the plot! 👁️🤎🪑🎻🎼🗝️🚪🎶

  • @user-jf1kd6fi1q
    @user-jf1kd6fi1q Před 21 dnem +6

    Thank you Simon. I'm not sure I would sleep at all without you ❤

  • @ViccyJ
    @ViccyJ Před 22 dny +11

    Thanks

  • @DeloresLowndes
    @DeloresLowndes Před 22 dny +6

    Poor sweet little man...what a sad story.

  • @maudieg8459
    @maudieg8459 Před 22 dny +7

    A Sad, but beautiful story. Thank you Simon!

  • @patriciaramsey5294
    @patriciaramsey5294 Před 22 dny +7

    Your fine narration brings this story to life. Wonderful. ❤

  • @SpuktasticAudio
    @SpuktasticAudio Před 22 dny +3

    My hero, proving once and for all that many a good tune can be played on an old fiddle. Bravo, maestro. ❤

  • @bluegreenglue6565
    @bluegreenglue6565 Před 22 dny +4

    "A gin-and-watery eye." : D Wonderful! Terrific story, and most delightful performance as ever, Sir. I appreciate the details, as well as the author's artistic choice not to bury the denouement in excessive explanation. There are little suggestions and hints throughout the tale that just take one along so that the climax and the conclusion satisfy and feel just right. Thanks very much!

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Před 21 dnem

      It's a good line, isn't it? Thanks for your insightful comment, I agree

  • @sonjawells4265
    @sonjawells4265 Před 22 dny +12

    YAY❣❣❣ I love your reading. Thank you.❤

  • @SEARSJAMES
    @SEARSJAMES Před 22 dny +14

    👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍!!!!!!

  • @cindyrhodes
    @cindyrhodes Před 22 dny +4

    Thank you so much!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

  • @januzzell8631
    @januzzell8631 Před 21 dnem +3

    Always a delight to find you've uploaded another story - thank you

  • @rosiemcnaughton9933
    @rosiemcnaughton9933 Před 22 dny +4

    Thank you, Simon. Good story...so well narrated.

  • @cheriestolze
    @cheriestolze Před 22 dny +7

    Thank you. ❤ Your performances are just brilliant.

  • @stephaniealeman8522
    @stephaniealeman8522 Před 22 dny +4

    Most grateful Simon! I was beginning to pine a bit! 💚

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Před 21 dnem +2

      Sorry to keep you waiting! I've been busy behind the scenes... the next episode of Mr Pooter's diary is uploading shortly

  • @sarge4455
    @sarge4455 Před 22 dny +3

    Awesome story love it

  • @user-ln3kh3ku4u
    @user-ln3kh3ku4u Před 22 dny +3

    Such a treat every story just what the doctor order quality simon time ❤

  • @susanbedingfield4661
    @susanbedingfield4661 Před 22 dny +3

    What a wonderful story by my favorite reader.

  • @princessmandy1757
    @princessmandy1757 Před 21 dnem +1

    Ahhh more Victorian and Edwardian spooky tales ... ❤ Thanks Simon!

  • @timeaaraouzou710
    @timeaaraouzou710 Před 20 dny +1

    What a masterful delivery of this exquisitely funny ghost story.

  • @marisaera2353
    @marisaera2353 Před 21 dnem +1

    Thanks Simon. Welcome compay for my insomnia!

  • @leebennett1821
    @leebennett1821 Před 21 dnem +1

    You're Ode a lot of joy for these Stories

  • @shelleymarquis2887
    @shelleymarquis2887 Před 22 dny +2

    I was hoping you'd be here tonight and here you are, right on time. Thank you.

  • @tammyhanlon3057
    @tammyhanlon3057 Před 22 dny +3

    Thank you, Simon. I love this story and am excited to hear you tell it.

  • @irenabevans3411
    @irenabevans3411 Před 22 dny +2

    Really enjoyed this tale, Thank You Simon... ❤

  • @honeybee6117
    @honeybee6117 Před 21 dnem +1

    you have a way of bringing the characters to life with excellent narration .Thank you.

  • @thurayya8905
    @thurayya8905 Před 21 dnem +1

    An interesting story, sweet and sentimental. Thank you for a story well told.

  • @jaidebrooke5946
    @jaidebrooke5946 Před 18 dny +1

    Enjoyed very much.
    This was the last thing my washing machine heard before it died😢

  • @GingerTomMom
    @GingerTomMom Před 22 dny +2

    That was absolutely delightful. Thank you so much.

  • @stevecausey545
    @stevecausey545 Před 4 dny

    Wonderful.
    Thank you,Simon.

  • @kpcraftster6580
    @kpcraftster6580 Před 18 dny

    What excellent characterizations - capturing the quirky humor of the narrator (as in, "The proprietor of the shop appeared to be a lady") as well as the vividness of his reported interlocutors! And what a delightful, moving addition to your musical (and other 'artistic') ghost story selections: many thanks!

  • @elizah2093
    @elizah2093 Před 22 dny +1

    Bedtime. Excellent!!

  • @hathorearthfyre
    @hathorearthfyre Před 17 dny

    This story was captivatinng and poignant, narrated by my favorite voice. Lovely, thank you.

  • @Jade_holloway
    @Jade_holloway Před 19 dny +1

    Poignant end for both musician and instrument .... Music is my biggest passion in life so I really enjoyed this one. Some drollery too. Thanks for the impeccable narration as always!

  • @simoneclift3155
    @simoneclift3155 Před 21 dnem

    Lovely.
    There are times that insomnia is a blessing. 😊

  • @aveg7899
    @aveg7899 Před 20 dny

    Thank you for this beautiful story Simon.

  • @nickybaker1338
    @nickybaker1338 Před 21 dnem +1

    Thank you Simon.
    I was enthralled & intrigued from start to finish.
    I shall probably listen to it at least twice again.
    Wonderful 😍😊

  • @leonaheraty3760
    @leonaheraty3760 Před 22 dny +1

    Thanks so much, Simon. 😊

  • @winniethomas2360
    @winniethomas2360 Před 19 dny +1

    Fabulous, thank you.I loved your narration and being introduced to a new author.

  • @marciedewolff9357
    @marciedewolff9357 Před 22 dny +1

    My dear Simon, Thank you, Thank You, Thank You! Bavro once again. I could listen to you recite the phone book and be perfectly content. Thankfully you are choosing the content!😂

  • @code-52
    @code-52 Před 22 dny +1

    Good deal! Thanks Simon.

  • @mngirl5437
    @mngirl5437 Před 19 dny +1

    Ty Simon ❤

  • @karenzak6627
    @karenzak6627 Před 19 dny

    Such an eerie, sad tale! Wonderful narration as always. Thank you, Simon!

  • @SunnySmile-fr5yg
    @SunnySmile-fr5yg Před 21 dnem +1

    Fabulous narration 🥰 interesting story 🤩

  • @MrsJanLong
    @MrsJanLong Před 16 dny +1

    A new one for me! Thank you so much.

  • @petercalderwood2876
    @petercalderwood2876 Před 21 dnem

    Dark and stormy night here in the Alleghenies. Right on time.

  • @jared1870
    @jared1870 Před 21 dnem

    This was a curiously creepy tale. Thanks once again, Mr. Stanhope.

  • @kimmyrick1950
    @kimmyrick1950 Před 9 dny

    Another delightful story

  • @stephaniealeman8522
    @stephaniealeman8522 Před 21 dnem

    😊wonderful! You know we’d all wait as long as necessary 💚💚🙏🏽

  • @deirdredowling2251
    @deirdredowling2251 Před 20 dny +1

    I think this site is delightful!

  • @jackyhawkins1895
    @jackyhawkins1895 Před 19 dny +1

    Thank you 😊

  • @mijiyoon5575
    @mijiyoon5575 Před 21 dnem +1

    This is poignant ... Thank You *Simon*

  • @SholaT39
    @SholaT39 Před 21 dnem

    I check and check and check again and then on a day like this where there’s another instalment, I am filled with joy! Thank you @SimonStanhope; I am always grateful🙏🏾🥰
    …now, I’m off to listen❤

  • @sus8e462
    @sus8e462 Před 17 dny

    Another fantastic interpretation/production! Thank you!

  • @snippycutwell9878
    @snippycutwell9878 Před 22 dny +1

    Good one!
    Really good!

  • @barrycrump6189
    @barrycrump6189 Před 21 dnem

    Thank you Simon!

  • @kathleenellenford4816
    @kathleenellenford4816 Před 21 dnem +1

    ❤thank you Simon! always a pleasure..

  • @spacehound3355
    @spacehound3355 Před 13 dny

    Very enjoyable story. 👍

  • @LadyBronwynn1400
    @LadyBronwynn1400 Před 16 dny

    I have not had a chance to listen to this yet. But I am about to remedy that situation. Thank you Simon. I love your interpretations and your voice is amazing.

  • @aktisok
    @aktisok Před 16 dny

    I love the narration thank you

  • @mariameere5807
    @mariameere5807 Před 17 dny +1

    Oh Simon! To think I almost missed this….. forgive me! I get 200 plus notifications a day and if I am busy…. Of course I can’t catch every one but I caught this by checking! And I am glad that I did! Excellent as always! Blessings upon you in abundance! 🪷💜🙏

  • @evelanpatton
    @evelanpatton Před 21 dnem +1

    Ah, 🎟️🎬🌬️🫧The Violin🎼🎻
    〰️🎵〰️🎶〰️🎵〰️🎶〰️🎵〰️
    WONDERFUL & OTHERWORLDLY
    〰️🎶🤎🗝️🚪⚰️🎶🤎🎶🎻〰️

  • @patmuir7778
    @patmuir7778 Před 22 dny +2

    "There are more things in heaven and earth that are dreamt of.........Horatio"

  • @patriciajrs46
    @patriciajrs46 Před 20 dny

    Loving your stories Simon. Thank you. I like that the video finally let me push the like button.
    It finally let me like this one.

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Před 15 dny +1

      I'm glad too! Sorry to hear you've been having technical problems, but hope they're resolved now... clicking the Like button helps me grow, apparently!

  • @suitov
    @suitov Před 21 dnem +1

    A rather dense young man. No wonder the violinist pined away to nothing.

    • @Jade_holloway
      @Jade_holloway Před 19 dny +1

      yea, I was sort of thinking that too ....

  • @minvalara2765
    @minvalara2765 Před 22 dny +1

    ❤❤❤

  • @aktisok
    @aktisok Před 16 dny +1

    By the way can someone give the name of the introduction jingle it's beautiful

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Před 15 dny

      Yes, the introductory piece of music is called 'Remembering Her' performed by the very talented Esther Abrami. I'm not sure whether she composed it herself or not. Esther has her own CZcams channel, which is certainly worth checking out

  • @careyanne6572
    @careyanne6572 Před 22 dny +1

    Good story 👏

  • @mijiyoon5575
    @mijiyoon5575 Před 21 dnem +1

    My violin still has the frets on it ..the removable type🎻

  • @bobbymarcum772
    @bobbymarcum772 Před 22 dny +4

    This was entertaining, but oughtn't the two men have figured out what was going on much sooner?

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Před 21 dnem +1

      A fair point... clearly they hadn't read enough of these sorts of stories!

  • @jerrycarter7843
    @jerrycarter7843 Před 13 dny

    A wonderful tale with a twist as always . Sorry for not commenting for awhile, I gotten side tracked by CZcams and all the free movie channels. It's a treat to just sit back and listen. Minus all the car chases and hot women of course.

  • @nellwackwitz
    @nellwackwitz Před 22 dny +2

    Wonderful story Simon! Thank you. Who played the violin at the beginning and ending of the story? It was lovely, and added so much to the telling of the story. Thanks again!

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Před 21 dnem +2

      You're welcome, Nell, glad to know you enjoyed it. The intro music is taken from the CZcams creators' library, where it's credited to "Cooper Cannell"

    • @nellwackwitz
      @nellwackwitz Před 21 dnem

      @@BitesizedAudio I did enjoy it, as I enjoy all of your readings. Cooper Cannell is a lovely violinist. Thanks again Simon!

  • @mijiyoon5575
    @mijiyoon5575 Před 21 dnem +1

    My violin still has its frets on it & I'm sure they will stay there forever as I have no talent for playing music🎻

  • @paulspence7600
    @paulspence7600 Před 20 dny

    Nice story. Odd to finish with a cello playing.

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Před 20 dny +2

      Glad to know you enjoyed it. Yes, I do generally try to find music reasonably suitable in tone for the story where possible, but I only have a few pieces available to me unfortunately and the music isn't a perfect match for this one. I used to pay a subscription to a music library for rights to use a much larger number of tracks, but I found that I kept being hit by copyright claims (even though I had the licence for use on YT, and could prove it), which just became annoying ... so I now restrict myself to the CZcams creator library, and the classical choice is rather limited

  • @kalakala10011
    @kalakala10011 Před 21 dnem

    💜💙💚

  • @mijiyoon5575
    @mijiyoon5575 Před 21 dnem

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • @rezzer7918
    @rezzer7918 Před 20 dny

    Ludwig 👍

  • @bobbymarcum772
    @bobbymarcum772 Před 22 dny +1

    "She was very dirty and very fat". I see they had online dating sites in the Victorian era as well, somehow!!! Er, ah, excuse me...

  • @user-yf5lf1wo5e
    @user-yf5lf1wo5e Před 16 dny

    Evening wear jumpsuits

  • @deniswilliams2212
    @deniswilliams2212 Před 7 dny

    Another great rendition I wanted to recommend to you the penguin book of gaslight crime Michael sims con artists rogues and scoundrels from the time of Sherlock Holmes. It would be great to have a few from that collection
    Tata and as always many thanks

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Před 6 dny

      Sounds interesting, thank you - I looked it up but can't find any list of the stories contained in the volume. I may have some of them on my to-do list already! I'll investigate further...