On Saturday, May 12, 2018, JASNA Greater PHX and Salonnières presented a wonderful salon-style concert with soprano, violin, piano, and harp, featuring music from the Regency era and Jane Austen movie soundtracks. Our gracious host was Susan Stephensen, who provided not only a comfortable venue, but sumptuous refreshments. Musical concerts in the Regency period were almost always in private homes, so the setting was quite apropos. Even Lady Catherine would have to agree that the talented ladies of Salonnières are true proficients!
PROGRAM
Main Theme from “Pride and Prejudice” (1995), Carl Davis (1936 -)
Sweet Afton, Traditional Scottish, arr. Jennifer Rhodes
Allegretto in Eb Major for Harp Ignaz Pleyel (1757-1831)
“Ombra mai fu” from Xerxes George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Sonata for Piano and Violin No.2, III. Rondo in C Major, Johann Baptiste Cramer (1771-1858)
Silent Worship. George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
“Voi, che sa pete” from Le Nozze di Figaro, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, I. Vivace ma non troppo-Adagio espressivo, II. Prestissimo, Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Excerpts from “Pride and Prejudice” (2005), Dario Marianelli (1963-)
‘Tis the Last Rose of Summer, Traditional Irish, arr. Dr. Karali Hunter
Below are some excerpts from the afternoon.
“Jane Austen’s Men” is an original composition, with lyrics written by Jennifer Rhodes and Jamie Alston.
Here are the lyrics:
JANE AUSTEN’S MEN
Wentworth loved Anne from the start,
But they split and spent eight years apart.
When next they would meet,
Their love must be discreet.
In truth they’d always held one another’s heart!
Frank Churchill, swathed in mystery,
Was charming, to be sure, but a tad fishy,
Deceiving all the neighbors,
‘Bout his courting endeavors.
His auntie had to die for him to act honestly!
John Willoughby – or so it seemed –
Was exactly the stuff that maidens esteemed.
But he’d woo ’em and deceive ’em,
Love ’em and leave ’em!
The truth came out and cost him the girl of his dreams.
Oh dear Bingley, you have smitten us all
With the way you paid Jane that sweet morning call.
When you bent down on one knee,
We all cried in glee!
We’d been waiting for it since the Netherfield ball!
Reverend Collins worshipped the great “Lady C.”
He was awkward and pompous and a bit … oily.
Longbourne he would inherit,
But to marry? Who could bear it?!
Dear Charlotte held her nose and took his hand … sweaty.
Well, Darcy sets all the fan girls a-swoon,
But the boyfriends and husbands he sets all a-gloom.
For consid’ring their worth
Next to Colin Firth,
Some ladies want the English gent to be their groom!
