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

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 So prolific was he that he left several novels and stories unpublished at the time of his death, and they were published posthumously.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

[@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

[@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??

[@SpuktasticAudio]

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

[@northernlights8126]

😂😂😂

[@paulacnote]

Exactly how i feel ❤

[@user-jf1kd6fi1q]

Me too ❤😊

[@user-tc2ie3db3z]

Owww are we all invited?

[@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.

[@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

[@gerrykeane7331]

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

[@ginabeena6757]

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

[@marshathornburg4352]

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

[@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! 👁️🤎🪑🎻🎼🗝️🚪🎶

[@user-jf1kd6fi1q]

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

[@ViccyJ]

Thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for your support

[@DeloresLowndes]

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

[@maudieg8459]

A Sad, but beautiful story. Thank you Simon!

[@patriciaramsey5294]

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

[@SpuktasticAudio]

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

[@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

[@sonjawells4265]

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

[@SEARSJAMES]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍!!!!!!

[@cindyrhodes]

Thank you so much!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@januzzell8631]

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

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

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

[@cheriestolze]

Thank you. ❤ Your performances are just brilliant.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly

[@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

[@sarge4455]

Awesome story love it

[@user-ln3kh3ku4u]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Shirley

[@susanbedingfield4661]

What a wonderful story by my favorite reader.

[@princessmandy1757]

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

[@marisaera2353]

Thanks Simon. Welcome compay for my insomnia!

[@timeaaraouzou710]

What a masterful delivery of this exquisitely funny ghost story.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly

[@leebennett1821]

You're Ode a lot of joy for these Stories

[@BitesizedAudio]

I see what you did there!

[@tammyhanlon3057]

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

[@shelleymarquis2887]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help!

[@irenabevans3411]

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

[@honeybee6117]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say, thank you

[@thurayya8905]

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

[@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

[@GingerTomMom]

That was absolutely delightful. 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!

[@stevecausey545]

Wonderful. Thank you,Simon.

[@elizah2093]

Bedtime. Excellent!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Sleep well!

[@hathorearthfyre]

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

[@simoneclift3155]

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

[@Jade_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!

[@aveg7899]

Thank you for this beautiful story Simon.

[@nickybaker1338]

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

[@winniethomas2360]

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

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thanks so much, Simon. 😊

[@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!😂

[@mngirl5437]

Ty Simon ❤

[@code-52]

Good deal! Thanks Simon.

[@karenzak6627]

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

[@SunnySmile-fr5yg]

Fabulous narration 🥰 interesting story 🤩

[@MrsJanLong]

A new one for me! Thank you so much.

[@petercalderwood2876]

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

[@kimmyrick1950]

Another delightful story

[@jared1870]

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

[@stephaniealeman8522]

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

[@deirdredowling2251]

I think this site is delightful!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Deirdre

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you 😊

[@mijiyoon5575]

This is poignant ... Thank You *Simon*

[@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!

[@sus8e462]

Another fantastic interpretation/production! Thank you!

[@barrycrump6189]

Thank you Simon!

[@snippycutwell9878]

Good one! Really good!

[@kathleenellenford4816]

❤thank you Simon! always a pleasure..

[@spacehound3355]

Very enjoyable story. 👍

[@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.

[@aktisok]

I love the narration thank you

[@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 ♥️

[@evelanpatton]

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

[@patmuir7778]

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

[@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!

[@suitov]

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

[@Jade_holloway]

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

[@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

[@careyanne6572]

Good story 👏

[@mijiyoon5575]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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🎻

[@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

[@kalakala10011]

💜💙💚

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@rezzer7918]

Ludwig 👍

[@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...

[@user-yf5lf1wo5e]

Evening wear jumpsuits

[@deniswilliams2212]

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]

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...