If people across the planet were to list their top songs of all time, chances are Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” would be on most of those lists.
There’s a good reason for that as the lyrics and the band’s history add to the timeless character of it. It was part of an album that was a commercial failure which led to the band disbanding until a man named Tom Wilson made a remix of the track and re-released it to the public.
Simon and Garfunkel were not informed of the release and were surprised by the song’s newfound success.
It led to the duo reuniting to record another album and the rest as they say is history. It’s an iconic song in its unique lyrics and melody so much so that many artists have recorded their own versions of the classic. But why should mainstream musicians have all the fun?
French musician Etienne de Lavaulx is from Melbourne, Australia and he decided to play his own rendition of the folk classic. How? He does it on a 5-string Zither.
There are many varieties to this stringed instrument and the sounds differ as a result.
Etienne is a musician and instructor. His first encounter with the Zither was in 1973 and since then has fascinated listeners all over Melbourne. He also plays classical guitar and has recorded multiple albums which are all found on his website.
He pulls all the right strings that’s for sure.
His version of “The Sound of Silence” has over 2.5 million views. Etienne plays his Zither on a table and uses both his hands to pluck the strings. The melody and the tone brings you back to medieval times. It feels magical in a way that knights on horses and fair maidens would suddenly bow to each other.
Etienne’s skills are remarkable and his playing is flawless and beautiful.
Where some would close their eyes and get lost in his playing, others would be humming or singing along.
” Hello, darkness my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again…”
His vintage Zither comes from Germany and is decorated with roses. It’s a beauty and he describes it on his channel.
“This arrangement of Simon and Garfunkel’s hit is played on a 5-chord zither made in East Germany sometimes during the 60s or 70s. It has single melody strings. Both single and double melody strings instruments are played exactly the same way. On a zither with double melody strings, both strings are tuned in unison.”
There are many covers of this song but this one might be a true stand out.
From acapella to acoustic, to solo and groups, and even a heavy metal band, these are but a handful of musicians who have covered “The Sound of Silence” adding their own styles to it.
Viewers are a mixture of amazement, wonder, some made relatable jokes that spoke of the unique sound and ancient times.
It’s hard to believe this song was once a commercial failure what with its resurgence and how it gained new popularity.
Monsieur de Lavaulx’s hands are magic and his playing is enchanting.
There are many takes on the classic song but this is one that many won’t forget any time soon.
Close your eyes and let Etienne take you far away with his wonderful take of this song in the video below
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Source: YouTube, Etienne de Lavaulx
