The Appalachian folk hymn 'Bartimeus' on bamboo flute and mountain dulcimer at Spruce Knob Lake, WV

www.timothyseaman.com/ Timothy Seaman spontaneously plays this rare old gem from the shape-note books on his Woodsong bamboo flute in E and McSpadden dulcimer tuned DAC (on a playing stand by Wolf Hill Woodworking), in a simple style reminiscent of the original context. There are three verses, just like the song words below.
The natural setting is Spruce Knob Lake Campground and at the lake itself, built by Timothy's father E.A. Seaman in 1953 when he was Chief of Fisheries for the state of West Virginia.
This tune is in the ancient ballad form, with anonymous words in the storytelling mode, taken from Mark 10:46-52:
“Mercy, O thou Son of David,”
Thus poor blind Bartimeus prayed;
“Others by thy grace are sav-ed:
Now to me afford thine aid.”
“Others by thy grace are sav-ed:
Now to me afford thine aid.”
Money was not what he wanted,
Though by begging used to live,
But he asked and Jesus granted
Alms which none but he could give.
But he asked and Jesus granted
Alms which none but he could give.
“Lord, remove this grievous blindness;
Let mine eyes behold the day.”
Straight he saw and, won by kindness,
Followed Jesus by the way.
Straight he saw and, won by kindness,
Followed Jesus by the way.
A studio ensemble interpretation with modern chords (2007) is here: • Bartimeus

[@loriejones7553]

Brings back memories of being an eight year old girl, laying in the bows of a Red Maple tree. I can almost hear the wind whisper among the leaves. ❤

[@kolldun2421]

вау а что это за инструмент на фоне озера?

[@timothyseaman]

I need a translation into English!

[@kolldun2421]

wow, what is this instrument against the background of the lake?@@timothyseaman

[@timothyseaman]

@@kolldun2421 Thank you for the translation! It's a mountain dulcimer, an American version of an old German instrument called the Sheitholt. I'm playing it in the old American mountain style. (The text below the video tells more details if you click on 'more'.)