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General Discussions => Current Talk Archive => Current Talk '25 I => Current Talk '09 I => Topic started by: Philippe Cordier on May 02, 2009, 05:58:41 AM

Title: Melanie's Piano Selection in 1841PT
Post by: Philippe Cordier on May 02, 2009, 05:58:41 AM

I've just started viewing 1841 for the third time, I believe.

In episode #1203, Melanie Collins is at the piano at Collinwood in a scene shared with Julia. At two intervals, Melanie briefly plays several bars from a lovely rather melancholy piano piece that sounds 19th century. There is a slightly discordant or minor key quality. I don't think it's Chopin, but I can't put my finger on what the piece is. It could even be later than the time period of the storyline.

I've checked all my resources, including the "Dark Shadows Almanac: Millennium Edition," to no avail. Kathleen Resch's 1840 Concordance summaries these episodes, but mistakenly says that Julia is playing the piano and Melanie enters the room.

Do any classical music lovers know what this piece is? I'm certain that VictoriaWinters would be able to identify this piece if she heard it ... are you there, VictoriaWinters? 
 [ghost_smiley]

Title: Re: Melanie's Piano Selection in 1841PT
Post by: Midnite on May 03, 2009, 04:36:36 AM

Hate 1841 but love Chopin.  You can listen here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5uyd4jYEaw) to Rubinstein (whose Ballades I first heard, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's his recording in the scene) play Ballade No. 4 in F-minor, Op. 52.  You'll recognize the melody that begins at exactly 0:36.  Enjoy!

Title: Re: Melanie's Piano Selection in 1841PT
Post by: Taeylor Collins on May 03, 2009, 05:17:07 AM

I love me some Chopin as well.  I do like parts of 1841! I[spoiler] just hate that we never saw the future again![/spoiler]  [ghost_mad]

Title: Re: Melanie's Piano Selection in 1841PT
Post by: Philippe Cordier on May 04, 2009, 05:46:10 AM

Thanks, Midnite!  I should have trusted my first impression that it might be Chopin!

Nice to hear the complete piece as performed by Rubenstein.

This might be only my second viewing of 1841, because I'm not remembering too much of what happens, which is a pleasant surprise. I'm not overly fond of the melodrama aspects, but am spellbound by the whole lottery business and what lies behind the curse.

Title: Re: Melanie's Piano Selection in 1841PT
Post by: Gothick on May 04, 2009, 04:04:45 PM

Liz played a piece by Chopin in one of the very first episodes--no. 2 or 3, I believe.

In 1968, I believe Carolyn was heard playing Chopin in the drawing room.

In the original Art Wallace script from the 1950s, "The House," the character that eventually became Liz in the Art Wallace DS bible made extra money teaching piano to children in the village. 

G.

Title: Re: Melanie's Piano Selection in 1841PT
Post by: dom on May 04, 2009, 06:47:42 PM

Quote from: Gothick on May 04, 2009, 04:04:45 PM

Liz played a piece by Chopin in one of the very first episodes--no. 2 or 3, I believe.

And all this time I thought it was a Barry Manilow tune.

I used to fantasize about recreating this scene as a comedy skit to perform at a fest. But that was when I had the figure and the hair to play Liz, lol. Now I'd be lucky to land the part of Prof. Stokes!

(But I'm not bitter...)

Title: Re: Melanie's Piano Selection in 1841PT
Post by: Midnite on May 04, 2009, 09:39:25 PM

Aw, dom!

I seem to recall that the skit included some weighty chandelier earrings.   [ghost_cheesy]

Title: Re: Melanie's Piano Selection in 1841PT
Post by: dom on May 04, 2009, 10:12:38 PM

 [a1f5]

You remembered!  [ghost_happy]