Christopher Brellochs

Melodies of the Gilded Age 
The Pamela and David B. Ford Lecture
Thursday, July 28, at 6 p.m. EDT
Rosecliff and Zoom (free)

https://www.newportmansions.org/learn/adult-programs

Did you know characters like Mamie Fish and Carrie Astor from the HBO hit series The Gilded Age were based on real women? They not only inspired Julian Fellowes when writing the show but occupied the pop-cultural spotlight in their day and would have glorious melodies composed in their honor. In this lecture, Dr. Mark Stickney will share some of these songs, as well as other musical works capturing the essence of Historic Newport, itself a central character in Julian Fellowes' script. He will be joined by Dr. Christopher Brellochs, music advisor for Episode 4 of The Gilded Age. Dr. Brellochs will explore some of the authentic musical works depicted in the series, including Dorothy Scott (Audra McDonald) playing a piano sonata by Beethoven and Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga) dancing to the melodies of Johann Strauss at her coming-out ball. He will also discuss the scene in which Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) and Mrs. Russell (Carrie Coon) are invited to the Academy of Music to hear a symphony by composer John Knowles Paine, portrayed by Dr. Brellochs himself.

Join Zoom Meeting https://brown.zoom.us/j/98412061790

Meeting ID: 984 1206 1790

Speakers who worked with the production to ensure historic accuracy will describe their experience and answer your questions.

With:

Dr. Mark Stickney, Moderator

Dr. Christopher Brellochs (Episode 4. A Long Ladder) portrayed conductor and composer John Knowles Paine at the Academy of Music.

Jeff Stockham (Episode 7. Irresistible Change) and his Excelsior Cornet Band portrayed the Edison Electric Illuminating Company Brass Band for the lighting of the New York Times building.

Anthony De Luca (Episode 8. Tucked Up in Newport & Ep. 9 Let the Tournament Begin) was the music contractor for the Newport filming and the manager of the Russell family’s private orchestra.

ALBANY HISTORY FAIR RETURNS TO CHERRY HILL

The fair’s 2022 theme is Albany and the Gilded Age. From exuberant architecture and industrial tycoons to bluebloods, immigrants and labor unrest, it is no secret that the Capital Region is rich in Gilded Age history.  The fair will feature scholar’s talks, special tours, costume installations, period music by Friends Union, hands-on activities on “Getting Dressed in the Gilded Age,” games and family activities, vendors, and a teaser performance of one scene from Swept Clean, an original play by Krysta Dennis set at Cherry Hill in 1884. Among the presenters will be music historian Dr. Christopher Brellochs, who consulted on the HBO series by Julian Fellowes; Hon. Jack McEneny, who will discuss immigration, labor, and politics in Gilded Age Albany; City of Albany Historian, Tony Opalka, on Albany’s trolley system; and the duo Julie O’Connor and Lorie Wies, who will share their research on Victorian Albany’s middle class Black community.

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE (click)

Literature meets music in Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence. I discuss and curate music for every classical composer or piece of music she describes in her novel except one - anyone out there a big enough fan to know which?

My good friend Mark Stickney asked me to write something for his awesome website Historic Music of Newport, Rhode Island and I was delighted to talk about a piece of literature that has withstood the test of time so well.

MUSIC OF THE GILDED AGE AT STAATSBURGH (click)

The Metropolitan Opera, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, and the Saxophone - how are they connected?

Although my talk and performance have been postponed you can read all about the fascinating connections in this blogpost. A special thank you to Maria Reynolds and Pam Malcolm for helping craft this post. Click on the image of the dining room below where we will be performing to read!