The 600-Second Miracle by Bert Tenzer Lyrics
Narrator: Time is moving forward. Before this record ends, six hundred seconds will have passed and the miracle will have occurred. But before we meet this miracle, let's first turn time backwards. It is 5000 BC. Look around. See how there is nothing here to listen to. No radio, no television, no phonograph, nothing but the wind and the rain. The rhythm of the wind, the beat of the raindrops. See how man listens to that, and now see how he starts to create strange rhythmic sounds of his own — sounds that excite his emotions. (*Percussivе music and chanting*) You are here in 5000 BC, obsеrving the beginnings of music. Now, let's turn time forward. We are back in modern-day civilization, and music is still with man. But listen to how it has developed since the time of its beginning. Now, music has become an inseparable part of each man's life — the expression of all of his emotions from the moment he makes his entrance on Earth to the time that he departs.
Mother: *Humming and indistinct singing* When he opened his eyes for the first time, I comforted my child with a lullaby. He didn't understand the words, but he felt the warmth, the love.
Teacher: I was his grade school teacher. I led him in singing to the music of his country. It gave him the feeling of being part of something bigger than his home, his street, his town.
Choir 1: Sweet land of liberty
Of thee I sing
Land where my fathers died
Land of…
Church vocalist: Ooh
Ooh
Minister: I was his minister. When he was still a boy, he found in music the strength, the serenity of the greatest entity of all.
Man 1: I was that boy. Music has always been a part of my life. The seasons have come and gone and I'm older. Now, it's the times like Christmas and New Year's, the times when I'm together with my family and my friends, that I feel the closest to music. There's something about music you can't explain — something almost magical about the way it can affect a person's feelings.
Choir 2: For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
Narrator: One hundred and sixty seconds have elapsed. Four hundred and fifty seconds remain, and then the miracle. In the meanwhile, let's turn time to 1955. (*Chatter*) It is 1955, and the meeting is being held that will introduce possibly the most important development in music since the time man originated his first rhythmic sounds.
Magnus meeting leader: (*Gavel bangs*) Gentlemen, you've all heard the rumors. They say we at Magnus have a development that can change the concept of music. Well, the rumors are true. You, Jim. Why do you think most people through the ages have listened to music rather than experienced the thrill of playing it?
Jim: Well, it takes too much aptitude, too much study and time for the average person to learn to play an instrument. Guess it's something for the gifted few — the musicians.
Magnus meeting leader: How about the electric organ? You, Bob. How long would you say it would take to learn to play that?
Bob: Well, I'd say the longest time of any instrument. Months, maybe years.
Magnus meeting leader: What would you say if I told you that, with this new Magnus electric chord organ standing here, I can change the music habits of America? That I can bring millions the experience, the thrill, of not just listening to music, but of actually playing it? Gentlemen, with this new development, any man, woman, or child will be able to play music in ten minutes on the grandest of all instruments — the organ — and to play almost as if they were a concert artist. Impossible? Yes, I know it sounds that way, but here's Fred Phillips to show you how this is not only possible, but how it is already a proven reality.
Fred Phillips: Thank you. Like most great things, our development is very simple. It completely eliminates the need for reading music, for studying, for lessons, for special skills. See how these music sheets have a number over each note and an alphabetical letter over each chord, and see how there are the same numbers and alphabetical letters on the keyboard of this Magnus organ. Now watch. We'll start from the top. It shows on the music sheet number six, so I push down number six. Now five, then four, then five, six, and eight, and now I add the letter F, add C, I'm playing! Now you fellers know, if anyone can't read a note of music, it's me. And here I am playing music on the most intricate instrument of all, the organ. It's really and truly as simple as that. See for yourself. Can you imagine what this will do to bring the full experience of music to all the millions of non-musicians everywhere?
Narrator: Three hundred and seventy-five seconds have now passed. Only two hundred and twenty-five remain before the miracle occurs. Come, we will use the remaining time to travel around the country and observe how this new musical experience is affecting people everywhere. This is Centavo City and we are in the suburbs on North Lincoln Street, that third house from the corner. We'll move in closer. That man seated behind the organ, John Foster. (*Mary Foster singing indistinctly*) Observe him well. Only an hour ago, he was still part of the tense, hard, fast-moving business world. Now, he is a million miles from there, lost in the music he plays. See how peaceful he looks, all the anxiety of the day gone. And there, the attractive woman standing by the organ and singing. That's the missus, the chief cook and bottle-washer. And that little girl intensely watching every move her father makes on the keyboard is the third member of the Foster family. There was a time when each night at this home was like being in a dark movie theater, sitting there like strangers watching the screen, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. Now, it is a close family sharing something together. (*Mary Foster singing indistinctly*)
Foster family daughter: Daddy, can I play you the songs Mommy and I learned this afternoon?
John Foster: Sure you can, dear. First, let me play you my favorite number. Remember this one, Mary? Your mother and I used to listen to this before you were born. (*Children speaking indistinctly*)
Narrator: It is 4 p.m., and school is out. We are at 43 Market Street, home of Alice Winegrove. Mrs. Winegrove is on the phone.
Alice Winegrove: And you should see it here, Jane. The whole neighborhood tribe is around the organ in the living room. You'd think my home was a children's social club! What did I do to deserve this? What's that? No, no, no, I guess I don't really mind. You know, it's kind of nice to have them spending some time in the house. Jane, listen. That's my Betty playing. I'll hold the receiver away from my ear so you can hear.
Narrator: It's Saturday afternoon and the store seems very busy. But listen — must be coming from over there in that corner.
Magnus demonstrator: It's actually that easy to play the Magnus electric chord organ. Now let me demonstrate again. No! Let me get, this time, you prove it to yourselves. Ah, little girl? You're the youngest. Let's start with you. Did you ever play an organ like this before?
Girl: No.
Magnus demonstrator: Would you like to?
Girl: Yes, I think so.
Magnus demonstrator: Alright, let's start. Now, for every number you see on this sheet, you press the key down that has the same corresponding number. Now, the first one is twelve — press that down. Now, twelve again. Now, thirteen, eleven-plus, twelve, thirteen, and so on. That's it! Now, just continue playing on like that. Don't you recognize that song?
Girl: Uh, let's see. Oh, I know, of course! Well, that's "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"; we sing it in school all the time!
Magnus demonstrator: Wonderful! You did just fine. Now, young lady, it's time for you to take a little rest and let someone else try. How about you, sir?
Man 2: Well, okay, I guess you got me a little curious. But I'll tell you right now, I'm no Toscanini. I never played an instrument or read a note in my life, and I'm not about to take lessons at this stage of my life.
Magnus demonstrator: Alright, let's try. Now, press number ten and letter C, as you see it here on this music sheet. Now, number nine and eight. Now, continue by simply following the numbers on this sheet.
Man 2: Gee! It feels kinda strange, like I'm listenin' to my own concert. I'm actually playin' Swanee River. *Laughs* I sound like a real musician. I always wondered how it felt to play. It's really quite a thrill. Well, thank you, thank you very much.
Magnus demonstrator: You're next, madam. Let me show you how easy it is.
Woman 1: Oh, well, I— I— I think I know, I— I was listening to you when you explained it to the other two people. Let's see. First, I press number one. Then, number six — oh! Oh, oh my, this organ has such a rich, beautiful sound. It sends vibrations through me. Ah, I never enjoyed a song so much in my life, I — oh my, I just can't believe it's really me playing. Oh, it's absolutely a miracle. Absolutely a miracle.
Woman 2: May I be next to try?
Magnus demonstrator: Sure you can. But first, I'd like to say a word to someone who's at home, listening to me on record. I know that right now you're sitting there in your living room by your phonograph, and probably wondering just how thrilling an experience it really is to sit down at the Magnus organ for the very first time and play music. Well, why not try it yourself? Everyone else here in the store is. As your local Magnus demonstrator, I can arrange it so you won't even have to come down to the store. I can bring a portable Magnus demonstrator right to your home. I'll try and telephone you sometime next week and we'll see if we can schedule you in for one of my many home calls. And, oh yes, when I do, be sure and remind me to tell you how you may be able to own a Magnus organ without any cost to you, through membership in our concert club. I'll be looking forward to talking to you. Alright, madam, now you're next. Now, if you'll just sit down here, we'll have you playing in minutes. Now, the first thing I want you to do is to press down on the…
Narrator: Listen. The seconds are ticking, and we are moving closer and closer to the six-hundred mark. That's it — six hundred seconds have just passed, and the miracle has occurred. For six hundred seconds, you have been listening to this story on record.
Mother: …I comforted my child with a lullaby…
Minister: …found in music the strength, the serenity of the greatest entity of all.
Magnus meeting leader: What would you say if I told you that, with this new Magnus electric chord organ standing here, I can change…
Narrator: While you were listening to this story, the miracle was happening. Somewhere in the country at the precise time this record went on, someone sat down at a Magnus organ for the first time in their life — sat down without knowing anything about notes, chords or music, and now, after six hundred seconds — the time it took to play this record — this person is playing music on the king of all instruments, the electric organ. This is the six hundred-second miracle — the six hundred-second miracle that now awaits you. Well, you yourself are as close to this miracle as you are to the Magnus demonstrator who will soon be calling you.
Mother: *Humming and indistinct singing* When he opened his eyes for the first time, I comforted my child with a lullaby. He didn't understand the words, but he felt the warmth, the love.
Teacher: I was his grade school teacher. I led him in singing to the music of his country. It gave him the feeling of being part of something bigger than his home, his street, his town.
Choir 1: Sweet land of liberty
Of thee I sing
Land where my fathers died
Land of…
Church vocalist: Ooh
Ooh
Minister: I was his minister. When he was still a boy, he found in music the strength, the serenity of the greatest entity of all.
Man 1: I was that boy. Music has always been a part of my life. The seasons have come and gone and I'm older. Now, it's the times like Christmas and New Year's, the times when I'm together with my family and my friends, that I feel the closest to music. There's something about music you can't explain — something almost magical about the way it can affect a person's feelings.
Choir 2: For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
Narrator: One hundred and sixty seconds have elapsed. Four hundred and fifty seconds remain, and then the miracle. In the meanwhile, let's turn time to 1955. (*Chatter*) It is 1955, and the meeting is being held that will introduce possibly the most important development in music since the time man originated his first rhythmic sounds.
Magnus meeting leader: (*Gavel bangs*) Gentlemen, you've all heard the rumors. They say we at Magnus have a development that can change the concept of music. Well, the rumors are true. You, Jim. Why do you think most people through the ages have listened to music rather than experienced the thrill of playing it?
Jim: Well, it takes too much aptitude, too much study and time for the average person to learn to play an instrument. Guess it's something for the gifted few — the musicians.
Magnus meeting leader: How about the electric organ? You, Bob. How long would you say it would take to learn to play that?
Bob: Well, I'd say the longest time of any instrument. Months, maybe years.
Magnus meeting leader: What would you say if I told you that, with this new Magnus electric chord organ standing here, I can change the music habits of America? That I can bring millions the experience, the thrill, of not just listening to music, but of actually playing it? Gentlemen, with this new development, any man, woman, or child will be able to play music in ten minutes on the grandest of all instruments — the organ — and to play almost as if they were a concert artist. Impossible? Yes, I know it sounds that way, but here's Fred Phillips to show you how this is not only possible, but how it is already a proven reality.
Fred Phillips: Thank you. Like most great things, our development is very simple. It completely eliminates the need for reading music, for studying, for lessons, for special skills. See how these music sheets have a number over each note and an alphabetical letter over each chord, and see how there are the same numbers and alphabetical letters on the keyboard of this Magnus organ. Now watch. We'll start from the top. It shows on the music sheet number six, so I push down number six. Now five, then four, then five, six, and eight, and now I add the letter F, add C, I'm playing! Now you fellers know, if anyone can't read a note of music, it's me. And here I am playing music on the most intricate instrument of all, the organ. It's really and truly as simple as that. See for yourself. Can you imagine what this will do to bring the full experience of music to all the millions of non-musicians everywhere?
Narrator: Three hundred and seventy-five seconds have now passed. Only two hundred and twenty-five remain before the miracle occurs. Come, we will use the remaining time to travel around the country and observe how this new musical experience is affecting people everywhere. This is Centavo City and we are in the suburbs on North Lincoln Street, that third house from the corner. We'll move in closer. That man seated behind the organ, John Foster. (*Mary Foster singing indistinctly*) Observe him well. Only an hour ago, he was still part of the tense, hard, fast-moving business world. Now, he is a million miles from there, lost in the music he plays. See how peaceful he looks, all the anxiety of the day gone. And there, the attractive woman standing by the organ and singing. That's the missus, the chief cook and bottle-washer. And that little girl intensely watching every move her father makes on the keyboard is the third member of the Foster family. There was a time when each night at this home was like being in a dark movie theater, sitting there like strangers watching the screen, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. Now, it is a close family sharing something together. (*Mary Foster singing indistinctly*)
Foster family daughter: Daddy, can I play you the songs Mommy and I learned this afternoon?
John Foster: Sure you can, dear. First, let me play you my favorite number. Remember this one, Mary? Your mother and I used to listen to this before you were born. (*Children speaking indistinctly*)
Narrator: It is 4 p.m., and school is out. We are at 43 Market Street, home of Alice Winegrove. Mrs. Winegrove is on the phone.
Alice Winegrove: And you should see it here, Jane. The whole neighborhood tribe is around the organ in the living room. You'd think my home was a children's social club! What did I do to deserve this? What's that? No, no, no, I guess I don't really mind. You know, it's kind of nice to have them spending some time in the house. Jane, listen. That's my Betty playing. I'll hold the receiver away from my ear so you can hear.
Narrator: It's Saturday afternoon and the store seems very busy. But listen — must be coming from over there in that corner.
Magnus demonstrator: It's actually that easy to play the Magnus electric chord organ. Now let me demonstrate again. No! Let me get, this time, you prove it to yourselves. Ah, little girl? You're the youngest. Let's start with you. Did you ever play an organ like this before?
Girl: No.
Magnus demonstrator: Would you like to?
Girl: Yes, I think so.
Magnus demonstrator: Alright, let's start. Now, for every number you see on this sheet, you press the key down that has the same corresponding number. Now, the first one is twelve — press that down. Now, twelve again. Now, thirteen, eleven-plus, twelve, thirteen, and so on. That's it! Now, just continue playing on like that. Don't you recognize that song?
Girl: Uh, let's see. Oh, I know, of course! Well, that's "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"; we sing it in school all the time!
Magnus demonstrator: Wonderful! You did just fine. Now, young lady, it's time for you to take a little rest and let someone else try. How about you, sir?
Man 2: Well, okay, I guess you got me a little curious. But I'll tell you right now, I'm no Toscanini. I never played an instrument or read a note in my life, and I'm not about to take lessons at this stage of my life.
Magnus demonstrator: Alright, let's try. Now, press number ten and letter C, as you see it here on this music sheet. Now, number nine and eight. Now, continue by simply following the numbers on this sheet.
Man 2: Gee! It feels kinda strange, like I'm listenin' to my own concert. I'm actually playin' Swanee River. *Laughs* I sound like a real musician. I always wondered how it felt to play. It's really quite a thrill. Well, thank you, thank you very much.
Magnus demonstrator: You're next, madam. Let me show you how easy it is.
Woman 1: Oh, well, I— I— I think I know, I— I was listening to you when you explained it to the other two people. Let's see. First, I press number one. Then, number six — oh! Oh, oh my, this organ has such a rich, beautiful sound. It sends vibrations through me. Ah, I never enjoyed a song so much in my life, I — oh my, I just can't believe it's really me playing. Oh, it's absolutely a miracle. Absolutely a miracle.
Woman 2: May I be next to try?
Magnus demonstrator: Sure you can. But first, I'd like to say a word to someone who's at home, listening to me on record. I know that right now you're sitting there in your living room by your phonograph, and probably wondering just how thrilling an experience it really is to sit down at the Magnus organ for the very first time and play music. Well, why not try it yourself? Everyone else here in the store is. As your local Magnus demonstrator, I can arrange it so you won't even have to come down to the store. I can bring a portable Magnus demonstrator right to your home. I'll try and telephone you sometime next week and we'll see if we can schedule you in for one of my many home calls. And, oh yes, when I do, be sure and remind me to tell you how you may be able to own a Magnus organ without any cost to you, through membership in our concert club. I'll be looking forward to talking to you. Alright, madam, now you're next. Now, if you'll just sit down here, we'll have you playing in minutes. Now, the first thing I want you to do is to press down on the…
Narrator: Listen. The seconds are ticking, and we are moving closer and closer to the six-hundred mark. That's it — six hundred seconds have just passed, and the miracle has occurred. For six hundred seconds, you have been listening to this story on record.
Mother: …I comforted my child with a lullaby…
Minister: …found in music the strength, the serenity of the greatest entity of all.
Magnus meeting leader: What would you say if I told you that, with this new Magnus electric chord organ standing here, I can change…
Narrator: While you were listening to this story, the miracle was happening. Somewhere in the country at the precise time this record went on, someone sat down at a Magnus organ for the first time in their life — sat down without knowing anything about notes, chords or music, and now, after six hundred seconds — the time it took to play this record — this person is playing music on the king of all instruments, the electric organ. This is the six hundred-second miracle — the six hundred-second miracle that now awaits you. Well, you yourself are as close to this miracle as you are to the Magnus demonstrator who will soon be calling you.