Keeping the Flame Alive

A new CD release with music directly inspired by the Brontës:

A musical tribute to Patrick Brontё and his famous children, Charlotte, Branwell, Emily
and Anne in a series of songs based on their poetry and characters from their novels.
Lyrics by Val Wiseman - Music composed by Brian Dee

KEEPING THE FLAME ALIVE

The album and show of the same name feature a series of moving and uplifting songs by Val Wiseman and pianist composer Brian Dee in tribute to the Brontёs.

The show
A lively and emotional musical experience, bringing to life through narrative and song such characters as Blanche Ingram (Jane Eyre) Helen Huntingdon (The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall) and Catherine Earnshaw (Wuthering Heights). Presented by life-long Brontё enthusiast Val Wiseman and Brian Dee with their musicians.

This is the complete list of songs:

1 TO THE HEIGHTS Young Catherine and Heathcliff, the dark, untamed orphan boy brought to live with her family, roam the moors surrounding their home. Wuthering Heights is Emily's tale of passionate love and deadly revenge. 2 DON'T LEAVE HIM NOW (Listen) Charlotte's heroine Jane Eyre discovers a terrible secret on her wedding day and is faced with a dilemma. Must she now leave Mr. Rochester, the love of her life? 3 LADY OF WILDFELL The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall is Anne's shocking tale of the young wife who flees with her child from the tyranny of an abusive husband. Her need to conceal her identity gives rise to gossip and the attentions of farmer Gilbert Markham. 4 BLANCHE Mr. Rochester's haughty guest Blanche Ingram treats young governess Jane Eyre with contempt at Thornfield Hall and flirts outrageously with her host. 5 LOVE OBEY THE RULES When Jane Eyre falls in love with her employer, the irascible and moody Mr. Rochester, who has shown an interest in her, the situation seems hopeless and she attempts to stifle her feelings. 6 MADEMOISELLE HENRI The Professor tells the tale of growing love between a young English master in Brussels and the student teacher who attends his classes. Charlotte's first novel was turned down by her publisher and only printed after her death. 7 DEAR SIR Anne's first novel Agnes Grey contains three heartfelt verses, written in anguish by her heroine when prevented from seeing the man she loves. These verses appear in the song which is composed in the form of a letter. 8 TRUE FRIENDS Charlotte describes the course of action taken by friends heiress Shirley Keeldar and Caroline Helstone to improve the lot of the poor and disadvantaged in Shirley and the events which occur that will change their lives.

9 DOWN CITY STREETS The trials and heartache of Charlotte's heroine Lucy Snow in Villette mirror her own experiences in Brussels. Alone and depressed she sought comfort by visiting the catholic cathedral. 10 AUGUSTA Based on a poem by Branwell Brontё from the Angrian tales and adventures of his alter ego Alexander Percy and his beautiful, ambitious wife Augusta. 11 YOU CAME INTO MY LIFE Heathcliff abruptly leaves Wuthering Heights. Cathy heartbroken, weds another. He returns three years later, a wealthy man, but feels betrayed. Loving him still, but weakened by pregnancy, she sees him for the last time as she lies close to death. 12 IN A WOOD ON A WINDY DAY Based on a poem by Anne Brontё. There's a vigorous rhythmic pulse to these lines inspiring this atmospheric composition. 13 REGRET Based on a poem by Charlotte Brontё. One wonders if the William referred to in these quiet reflective verses is William Weightman, the flirtatious young curate appointed to assist her father, who fatally contracted cholera whilst visiting the sick. 14 THE MAN WITH THE FROWN Yorkshire mill owner Robert Moore, born in Antwerp, faces open hostility in a climate of industrial change. Charlotte's Shirley set in 1812 explores the political and social consequences of riots, poverty and the war with Napoleon. 15 TO IMAGINATION Based on a poem by Emily Brontё in celebration of the power of creative thought. The kingdom of 'Gondal', Emily created with Anne, elevated her to other realms far removed from the realities of every day life. 16 KEEPING THE FLAME ALIVE (Listen) The Reverend Patrick Brontё survived all his family. Gifted writer, poet, dutiful servant of the church and tireless campaigner for social reform, we picture him now, alone with his memories and the precious paintings, drawings, novels and poems left behind by his gifted children.

Categories: Music