SHE PLAYED AND SANG, JANE AUSTEN AND MUSIC: AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR GILLIAN DOOLEY

Welcome, dear readers, to our new journey into a lesser-explored aspect of Jane Austen's world: her profound connection to music. In this exclusive interview, we have the pleasure of discovering Austen's musical inclinations with the esteemed author, Gillian Dooley, whose latest work, "She Played and Sang: Jane Austen and Music," unveils treasurable insights Austen’s musical legacy.

Gillian Dooley, an Honorary Senior Research Fellow in English at Flinders University, has dedicated years studying both Jane Austen's fiction and her passion for music. Through meticulous research and a profound understanding of Austen's world, she sheds light on a previously unexplored facet of Austen’s life.

Please, scroll down and enjoy our interview about Jane Austen and music, guided by the expertise and passion of Gillian Dooley.

AUTHOR GUEST POST & GIVEAWAY: JOANA STARNES, "MUSIC, MAGIC AND MISS DARCY'S COMPANION"

Thank you, Maria Grazia, for welcoming me here today on the blog tour for my latest ‘Pride and Prejudice’ variation, ‘Miss Darcy’s Companion’, it’s always such a pleasure to be your guest! I am especially glad to be here this time because my post is about an extremely beautiful Italian aria, and I can’t imagine a better place to talk about it than on your blog.

Music played a great part in Jane Austen’s life and novels. Not only was it the major source of entertainment in an age where people had to create their own amusements, but it also was the main conduit for falling in love. Indeed, how could Jane Austen and her characters have flirted, courted and been courted without the delicious opportunities offered at balls and assemblies? How would Jane Austen have learnt the first joys and sorrows of falling in love, had she not danced with the dashing but all-too-practical Tom Lefroy? How much poorer would her novels be without the Netherfield ball or the ever so delightful scene where Elizabeth plays for the company at Rosings?

A SONG INSPIRED TO PRIDE AND PREJUDICE & A GREAT GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

Here is a contest for all the lovely Janeites out there! Jasmine Kyle,  singer-songwriter and a devoted Janeite, has gathered together three fantastic prizes to give away. Three lucky people will win  one of these wonderful prizes,  along with an autographed album: 

The replica Jane Austen ring 

WHAT WOULD BE IN JANE AUSTEN'S iPOD?

 (by guest blogger Marcela De Vivo) 

Access to any kind of music during the Regency era was largely dependent on the abilities of amatuer musicians in a given household to play it on their own. There was no television or recording devices, and live music was generally limited to the cities and streets, where performers were easy to find, and the sounds of music were fairly commonplace. 

 However, in a household like the one Jane Austen grew up in, learning music was looked upon as a highly valuable and important aspect of life, thus every member of a family was expected to develop their skill with a particular instrument. In Austen’s case, the pianoforte was the most popular option.

 So, if Austen had an iPod during that time, she would have undoubtedly had music that was played by herself and her family members recorded and kept on one of her favorite playlists. Scotch and Irish Aires were popular during her time, as well as folk music and a variety of classical composers, many of which we would recognize today.   

MEET HOLLY CHRISTINA FROM NEW ZEALAND AND SING JANE AUSTEN WITH HER

My guest today is very young, very beautiful and very talented.  She loves Jane Austen, of course,  and that's the main reason for being here to meet you. Holly Christina is a promising singer/songwriter I discovered by chance thanks to her Youtube video, "Jane Austen" . We live on the opposite sides of the  planet but we found out we had common ground. Meet Holly Christina and  welcome her on My Jane Austen Book Club!

Hello Holly Christina! Welcome to My Jane Austen Book Club. Can you first of all, please tell us what you do?

Hello Maria – well I’m a singer/songwriter from Auckland, New Zealand.  I also teach guitar with my business ‘GatSong’, and coach tennis.     

You are very young. When did you start writing songs?

I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was 12.  I really enjoy writing lyrics, inventing unique guitar chords, and creating music, and I’ve been doing it for 7 years now.   

Gosh, you are only 19, Holly! Congratulations on being so young and so talented! And when did the idea of a “Jane Austen” pop song come to you?

It’s an interesting story actually.  I started writing a fun song called “Fairytale Girl” when I was 15, and one of the lines in the first verse was: “maybe it is Jane Austen’s books that get my head into a whirl that Mr. Darcy will come knocking at my door”.  I loved the chords I used in the song, and that line always stood out to me, but the rest of the lyrics didn’t quite fit with the concept.  So in July 2011, when I was still 18, I sat down with my guitar and re-wrote the song using the title “Jane Austen”.  I incorporated some symbolism and references to her books, characters and era – and hopefully Austen fans all around the world will relate to the ideas and humour in the song.  It’s incredible how Austen’s books have stood the test the time, and are still loved by so many. 

What is the message you want to convey to contemporary audience in your Jane Austen song?

I hope that people enjoy the song’s journey from the 2000s back to the 1800s, and think about how many things have changed since the “simple olden days”.  I have also met quite a few young people that still haven’t heard of Jane Austen, so hopefully this song will enlighten more of them about this classic author, and get them reading her amazing books!     

When did you first read one of her novels? And what about Austen film adaptations? Have you got any favourite ones?

My Mum introduced me to Jane Austen books when I was 10.  I remember firstly reading ‘Pride and Prejudice’, and I loved it!  Over the years, my Mum and I have built up a pretty good DVD collection of the film adaptations, and we have watched them many times.  My favourite ones are ‘Emma’ (1996 version with Gwyneth Paltrow), ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (1995 version with Kate Winslet) and of course the 1995 BBC TV mini-series ‘Pride and Prejudice’ – it’s a real masterpiece!  

     

 What is it that you appreciate the most in Jane Austen’s world?

The proper language they used, and the courteous manner in which everyone addressed each other. 

     

What things would you miss the most from the modern days if you went back in time to live in her age?

I guess I would probably miss some things like the telephone, the microwave and my iPod!   

Have you got a favourite Austen hero? And heroine? Why do you like them?

My favourite Austen leading lady is Elinor Dashwood.  She is a very sensible, thoughtful young woman – and I like her reserved disposition.  I can’t decide on my favourite hero though – I like Mr. Darcy, Mr. Knightley and Edward Ferrars.  All those characters have great qualities! 

What have you learnt from Jane Austen?

Her books have taught me many different real life lessons.  An example is about how we should be careful about what we say – as shown when Mr. Knightley gives Emma a stern talking to after she meanly insults Miss Bates.  I also value the wisdom of Jane Austen’s quotes like “my good opinion, once lost, is lost forever” from ‘Pride and Prejudice’.   

Do you think her novels can still appeal to young people nowadays?

Yes – there’s drama, romance and fantastic plots, and it’s quite remarkable how many of her storylines and characters can remind you of a situation or person from your life!    

Boys/young men usually snob her novels as girlish stuff.  Don’t you think they could learn so much from those heroes instead?

Yes, the gentlemen in Austen’s novels are great role models for boys these days.  It’s a shame how many boys just dismiss Jane Austen as a “girly book” or “chick flick”, when really her writing and characters could offer them so much more.  My brother (who is 17) has watched some of the Jane Austen DVDs, and he doesn’t mind them, so maybe introducing the film adaptations to boys is a good place to start!     

What’s next for Holly Christina?

At this stage, I’m just working on promoting my new singles “Image” and “Jane Austen” - the official music videos are on YouTube.  I had so much fun making the quirky “Jane Austen” music video, and I really just took artistic license with the costume and locations.  I would like to release a couple of new singles and music videos throughout the year, and perhaps bring out a new album in late 2012/early 2013.        

    

Good luck! We wish you all the best, and may all your dreams come true, and make you very happy.

Thanks so much for your support My Jane Austen Book Club! 

Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer my questions, Holly. And now, it's time to watch your "Jane Austen" Video! 

Jane Austen by Holly Christina  is available on iTunes 

Visit Holly Christina's Youtube Page and Facebook Page

Holly Christina's Official Site