I have so many fond childhood memories growing up in Oakleigh, Melbourne. My mother loved to decorate our home in bright seventies colours, and my father, apart from reading and writing, enjoyed sharing his eclectic mix of music from around the world.
He had a subscription to a record distributor and each month, it was an exciting moment when the package arrived at our door. Dad would examine the covers of the latest additions to his collection and I watched on with enthusiasm. He would carefully remove the record from its cover, gently coaxing it from the thin inner sleeve to rest in his hand. With a practiced movement of the wrist, he would place Side A on the turn table. As if he were holding his breath in a delicate surgical procedure, he proceeded to lift the fine stylus and rest it on the first groove of the record.
Victory! It worked.
He would do a little triumphant jig as an album in French, Spanish, German, Russian, Top of the Pops, Classics or favourite musicals spun round and around, the needle returning to rest in its final groove until Dad turned it over to play side B.
One of my father’s admirable talents was being able to speak and write in several languages as a native-born Englishman. His clear pronunciation of words whether in Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Russian or Hindi, was so eloquent, often native speakers would commend him on the authenticity of his pronunciation.
In 2021, when he came to our home to celebrate Christmas Eve, Harry invited my father to sing a couple of his favourite songs in our recording studio. Always up for a fun challenge, Dad’s eyes widened, he cleared his throat after another sip of red wine he was ready.
‘Bring it on!’ he said. ‘Shall I sing in Spanish, French or Russian?’
‘Up to you, Dad.’
It is my absolute delight to share this particular recording of my father singing a Russian Folksong with typical playful comments. We shall treasure you for always. Bless you, Papa.
Harry and I now find ourselves humming this tune quite out of the blue – and so may you!
Copyright © 2023 Maribel Steel
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Hi Maribel,
Lovely to hear your father’s voice sing this Russian song. I am sad to hear of his passing. Brian was a dear friend, who took a keen interest in me and my endeavors, though we were antipodes. I shall fondly remember him.
Warmest greetings, Chris , the Netherlands