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

[@BitesizedAudio]

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: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZISCGdeBUtYxynNFtZCeRrv Early 20th Century Ghost Stories: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZI0zeT0uMxvy9TkkoUvtOAZ Classic Detective Stories: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

Thankee, Mr. Stanhope, appreciation & salutations from the States, as always!

[@mikereilly7629]

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]

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]

@@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]

@@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??

[@sandraelder1101]

100% agree! They’re awful.

[@stewartlancaster6155]

AI ?

[@NathanKelly-cc1bj]

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 ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you Nathan

[@ginabeena6757]

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

[@gerrykeane7331]

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

[@SpuktasticAudio]

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

[@northernlights8126]

😂😂😂

[@paulacnote]

Exactly how i feel ❤

[@user-jf1kd6fi1q]

Me too ❤😊

[@Shannon-f8w]

Owww are we all invited?

[@Frenchblue8]

Same here, going back to this playlist because it is October and I indulge in all things ghosty and spooky in Halloween from old 1930s movies like the iconic The invisible Man, through world war II era beauties like The Werewolf, the TV series from the early 90s, Friday the 13th the series, and then of course the iconic of iconix on Halloween eve, while trick-or-treaters come to the door, we always have playing the original 1978, John Carpenter's, Halloween... But for bedtime only Simon will do! Enjoy, as we all pass to Simon's voice, into the cobwebs of slumber... 🌇🎃🌃👻🧙🏻‍♀️

[@Lemma01]

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]

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

[@stewartlancaster6155]

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

[@andrewbeale6072]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

@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]

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.

[@jaidebrooke5946]

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

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

O, dear! Ghastly when that happens.😢

[@BitesizedAudio]

RIP your washing machine

[@DeloresLowndes]

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

[@nsob8897]

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]

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

[@marshathornburg4352]

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

[@SpuktasticAudio]

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

[@sonjawells4265]

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

[@user-jf1kd6fi1q]

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

[@maudieg8459]

A Sad, but beautiful story. Thank you Simon!

[@patriciaramsey5294]

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

[@bluegreenglue6565]

"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]

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

[@RachelWellborn-h6w]

My 2 nd time listening and it’s as good no GREAT! As the last one!! Your voice has got to be the most, gentlemanly and soothing and perfect to listen to!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you very much!

[@janetathanasopoulou2002]

There really is no one to better you Simon, at both excellent narration and excellent story choice. Thank you. I am transported to my childhood before TV. Listening to radio plays with my grandmother as she sewed. She was a dressmaker. Ah happy days.

[@sjsmith4053]

This is a unique calm educational rare and precious addition to modern youtube platforms.i imagine this chaps acting is also good. Keep up the good work.

[@leebennett1821]

You're Ode a lot of joy for these Stories

[@BitesizedAudio]

I see what you did there!

[@MsMak12356]

What a melancholy tale. Well told.

[@ShirleyPearl-n9z]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Shirley

[@footfault]

It would have been humane of Ernest to have kept better track of his friend's well-being, and to have bought him a lunch now and then. Surely he knew the friend was declining.

[@honeybee6117]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say, thank you

[@januzzell8631]

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

[@lindapayne1595]

Sad story, read beautifully.

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

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

[@nickyfierybakerRoo]

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

[@shelleymarquis2887]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help!

[@susanbedingfield4661]

What a wonderful story by my favorite reader.

[@sebastianbendyna2363]

Is there an undertone of homoerotic love between the 2 young men in the story? That’s certainly how I read it.

[@stephaniealeman8522]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

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

[@cheriestl]

Thank you. ❤ Your performances are just brilliant.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly

[@justine_holloway]

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!

[@cindyrhodes]

Thank you so much!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@kpcraftster6580]

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!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@deegeraghty9426]

Thank you Simon for this sad yet sweet tale. Your voice is so soothing.

[@thurayya8905]

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

[@tammyhanlon3057]

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

[@timeaaraouzou710]

What a masterful delivery of this exquisitely funny ghost story.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly

[@sandraelder1101]

“All the heavy artillery of music.” “Do you know his haunts?” I love the humor in this one.

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you 😊

[@princessmandy1757]

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

[@mariameere5807]

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! 🪷💜🙏

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you found me Maria! More coming soon...

[@mariameere5807]

@@BitesizedAudio ♥️

[@MrsJanLong]

A new one for me! Thank you so much.

[@deepanjanamondal255]

Thank you so much for bringing to life this haunting story with your wonderful narration. Simon , you are the best.

[@sarge4455]

Awesome story love it

[@patriciaramsey5294]

I don't know why but this is one of my favorite stories. You read it so well Simon.

[@mngirl5437]

Ty Simon ❤

[@winniethomas2360]

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

[@GingerTomMom]

That was absolutely delightful. Thank you so much.

[@marciedewolff9357]

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!😂

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thanks so much, Simon. 😊

[@irenabevans3411]

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

[@shirleynarsi]

Another poignant tale in the same vein as the Empty Chair and the Walnut Tree House. Masterfully narrated as always.

[@karenzak6627]

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

[@marisaera2353]

Thanks Simon. Welcome compay for my insomnia!

[@kathleenellenford4816]

❤thank you Simon! always a pleasure..

[@elizah2093]

Bedtime. Excellent!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Sleep well!

[@stevecausey545]

Wonderful. Thank you,Simon.

[@SunnySmile-fr5yg]

Fabulous narration 🥰 interesting story 🤩

[@hathorearthfyre]

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

[@sus8e462]

Another fantastic interpretation/production! Thank you!

[@deirdredowling2251]

I think this site is delightful!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Deirdre

[@patmuir7778]

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

[@code-52]

Good deal! Thanks Simon.

[@aveg7899]

Thank you for this beautiful story Simon.

[@snippycutwell9878]

Good one! Really good!

[@SholaT39]

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❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome!

[@LadyBronwynn1400]

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.

[@kimmyrick1950]

Another delightful story

[@patriciajrs46]

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]

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!

[@emmanuelpower2439]

Another superb reading😊😊😊

[@simoneclift3155]

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

[@stephaniealeman8522]

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

[@evelanpatton]

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

[@mijiyoon5575]

This is poignant ... Thank You *Simon*

[@barrycrump6189]

Thank you Simon!

[@aktisok]

I love the narration thank you

[@jared1870]

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

[@spacehound3355]

Very enjoyable story. 👍

[@suitov]

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

[@justine_holloway]

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

[@typacsk]

The plot of this one was a teensy bit telegraphed ;) But the writing style has held up well, and I think the phrase "burglariously inclined" needs to become a part of our everyday language.

[@petercalderwood2876]

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

[@p1nesap]

Wow you have a great voice for this. No wonder, visiting your website. What playlist would you recommend for light-hearted readings (enough darkness in the US atm)? Thanks.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly. In terms of lighter-hearted readings, some of the "Rivals of Sherlock Holmes", in particular the detective stories featuring Max Carrados have some humorous moments: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6LCoXWfjquZo6s For full-on comedy, last year I recorded the classic Victorian comic novel 'The Diary of a Nobody': kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH2kkHqqiLdjq9E The stories of A. J. Alan are also very funny, shaggy-dog type stories sometimes with a mystery element: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZJ8mCEh4VIBxXgEg7IfAxU- Also comic, although perhaps an acquired taste, some of the stories by the Edwardian humourist Saki are very funny, although many have a twist and can sometimes (e.g. 'The Easter Egg') can be quite dark: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZK56kN9KtP2_S_Q2O092tP7 I hope these are along the lines you're looking for! Thanks for listening

[@p1nesap]

@BitesizedAudio Thanks Simon, I'll start with Diary of a Nobody. Sounds relatable 😂. I hear UK is getting the polar vortex as well this week. Best regards, Paul, Maine US

[@MarionMclavy]

As beautiful if sad story

[@minvalara2765]

❤❤❤

[@aktisok]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

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 KZbin channel, which is certainly worth checking out

[@bobbymarcum772]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

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

[@countiblis1246]

Ernest payed 3 shillings and sixpence for his violin. Sherlock Holmes payed 55 shillings for a genuine Stradivarius that he found in a Jewish Pawnbrokers on Tottenham Court Road (He reckoned it was worth over 500 guineas. God knows what it would be worth now).

[@jerrycarter7843]

A wonderful tale with a twist as always . Sorry for not commenting for awhile, I gotten side tracked by KZbin 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.

[@mijiyoon5575]

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

[@mijiyoon5575]

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

[@nellwackwitz]

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]

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

[@nellwackwitz]

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

[@sandraelder1101]

This would’ve been a very different story had only one person been able to hear the you-know-what.

[@paulspence7600]

Nice story. Odd to finish with a cello playing.

[@BitesizedAudio]

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 KZbin creator library, and the classical choice is rather limited

[@careyanne6572]

Good story 👏

[@BryinWillis-e8g]

Complete

[@bobbymarcum772]

"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...

[@rezzer7918]

Ludwig 👍