Mildred Dilling performs in 1940

Mildred Dilling in 1940 at the age of 47. This 10 minute film was made to be shown as a short before the main feature in a movie theater. She plays La Source by Zabel, March of the Men of Harlach arranged by John Thomas, and Follets by Hasselmans.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Mildred
• DIlling
• harp
• harpist

[SeasaltMermaid]

I took a master class from Mrs. Dilling at U of O in 1976 or so. She was eighty at the time and still full of fire. She carried herself beautifully erect with a very proud posture -- more like an aged dancer -- and still playing beautifully at that time. She inspired everyone around her to work harder, practice more, take the harp more seriously than ever -- but still have fun. I can only imagine what she was like when this video was taken in 1940, truly at the peak of her powers as a harpist.

[bogofusion]

Mildred Dilling was my harp teacher. She told me that if I would stop having an age and would take me as a student because I was told I was too old to take up the instrument when I was 18. So I never turned 24 and have a career as a harpist.

[garymaher]

I studied harp under one of her students. But not Harpo Marx.

[CurtEHammell]

wow what a gem. refreshing and oh so amazing. fantastic. thanks for sharing with us

[morpheusatloppers]

If you enjoy vintage harp music - check out the SCORE to Orson Welles' "Return To Glennascaul". I didn't upload it, because it was already up (in sections). And it has recently been uploaded again - this time, in one piece - with an introduction by Peter Bogdanovitch. Again, I had nothing to do with the upload - I simply recommend it to lovers of harp music, as it is quite beautiful.

[AnnieNancyharp]

Oh wow! She is amazing! Where did you get hold of this? I wish I had been born in the 40s......Thank's so much for uploading.

xxx

[Songsmirth]

Thank you SO much for sharing this with us Kp. It means more than you will ever know. I didn't know something like this exhisted. :)

[Songsmirth]

@Songsmirth "Yes, she the world's leading harpist. She's taught Bob Hope." That's all I remember of that conversation. She came back the next day and I let her stay a little longer because my patient was doing well. They had grown up together and I got to hear a few stories. :) Anyway, she was a bomb, even at her age. She was in San Diego to teach. After my pt. died, she came to the house and asked if I had another job? I didn't. "Well, I have a friend. ." Bless her. :)

[Songsmirth]

@SeasaltMermaid I took care of an old friend of hers while she was dying. The lady was very big in social circles in San Diego and it cause a problem with her getting rest so I limited a guest's time. Mildred Dilling showed up and I had to ask her to leave. Talk about angry! "-----, are you going to let this girl order me off?" lol My patient was very ill and said I was the boss. After Ms. Dilling left, my patient said to me, "you want to hear one of her records?" "Records??"

[banoffiepiee]

amazing! wish i could play like tht! my fingers r still jumbled up when i play :P

[HarperDearMilo]

I'm speechless. This is absolutely amazing. how did I not find it till now!