My grandparents were from north Germany (she) and Bavaria (he). She told me that, in the old country, no matter how poor or small the burg was, there was music of the masters for all, whether it be amateur presentations by local townsfolk, the churches or travelling troupes. Music was a part of their lives. Children were imbued with great music, no matter how young they were or how unsophisticated the performance.
Grandma and Grandpa immigrated from Germany at the turn of the last century, settling in the Chicago area, some in Milwaukee. Two of my relatives decided to stay permanently in London (you went to the New World from Germany via the port of Southampton, England, a more direct and economical passage)...and one of their offspring, my late third cousin, was a basso profundo with the famous Covent Garden Opera House in London. He performed with Pavarotti and all the greats.
Growing up, I have fond memories of countless family gatherings clustered around Aunt Helen at the piano, singing the great old songs of the twenties, thirties and forties from sheet music (and, yes, there was an old tapestry cloth with fringe on it over the piano).
On my Irish family side, my grandpa played the mandolin and was a member of the Chicago Mandolin Orchestra which gave regular concerts. You haven't lived musically till you've heard 100-or-so mandolins of all sizes and pitch play in concert, especially when they play vibrant Russian folk dance songs and plaintive gypsy music from the heart of old Europe. Too bad the orchestra is long defunct.
Grandpa also played violin, cello, bass and guitar. My two uncles played piano, sax, trumpet and clarinet.
So, on this other side of my family, we essentially had our own band in concert when Uncle John sat at the eighty-eight in the living room and pounded out the old songs and the current hit parade songs and we all sang, of course.
So, I love classical music of all persuasions. My opinion of today's music and songs rather meshes with that of a popular wag who opined a few years back, "Today's scene demonstrates that most Americans prefer noise to music".
However, I do confess a liking for country music (I like the words, also....they tell little stories and I like the beat).....and I really do miss the Grand Ole Opry-type TV shows.
Well, that was my upbringing and I'm thankful for it to this day....and as Lawrence would say....."Uh one and uh two....strike up the band !!!
Leni
Once upon a time, "entertainment" was something that families engaged in at home, besides outside the home. Those families who could afford to, bought a piano and/or other instruments and children were given serious lessons! Classical music, ethnic music, and yes, even popular songs were deriguere! And those who didn't play an instrument sang.
What a wonderful story. Many of us were well educated in music and have a love for it. We have all been influenced by families who loved and enjoyed music.
I had no musicians in my family but we had a profound appreciation of music and my great grand Aunt sang at the Bushnell in her youth. Back in the day when all people had accomplishments.
Leni
Sadly, both of these piano shawls bit the dust/kind of disintegrated in the late '60s, so I only have picture and fond memories of them. OTOH I do have her apartment grand piano ensconced in my living room, as well as her tall, matching music chest.