He would make a show of it. Being a workaholic, he seldom got time to spend with family. On those days, when dad was in the mood, he would take out the HMV gramophone record player, wipe it clean with a soft cloth, ask us what we want to hear, then proceeded to play the record he liked! It was special family time. We would all sit around the player and listen to the songs with undivided attention, even when we could not understand them.
Dad had a nice collection or records, both 45 rmp and 12 inch record. The music included a fine blend of western classical, Indian classical and film music. Of the western classical, I can only remember Beethoven. Indian classical music consisted of vocal recitals by M. S. Subbalakshmi, Sitar by Pandit Ravi Sharnkar, Santoor by Shiv Kumar Sharma and many more. K.L. Saigal's (the playback singer-actor) and Ghantasala's (the singer and music composer of Telugu cinema) also graced the collection.
Once in a while, he would take us to the HMV House, which housed records from all over the world. To us, it was the most swankiest place to be, something to boast about among friends, throw names of musicians and their albums, which we never listened in the first place.
The old makes way for the new and the casette player replaced the gramophone player. Like all the good things which we appreciate only when they are gone, I realize the value of the gramophone record player now- the family time, the music and the memories we made are priceless!
For - Mag 153
For - Mag 153
smiles...it is sad the record player has gone the way of the dinosaur...i have some cool memories of the record player as well...cool that you did family time like that as well...would def be a treat...
ReplyDeleteI have very similar memories, Janu, of our family gathered around the record player. My, how times have changed!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thanks for sharing sweet memories...
ReplyDeletesweet memories indeed.....thanks for sharing
ReplyDelete