One of the most interesting aspects of the Sparrowhawk series is the depth of research that Edward Cline performed to create his 18th century setting. He had to master the social atmosphere, the spoken and written language, the laws, the commercial aspects, the philosophy and the arts of the period. In addition, he had to develop a detailed sense of place for the various settings and a thorough understanding of the actual historical personages that appeared in the story. The proof of his success is the fact that the books transport you into the period and make you feel that you are a part of the action. This series is, not only, great literature, but, also, a great learning experience. So much so that the books have been used in many schools to supplement the standard texts.
The music of the period is just one example of this experience. As Ed wrote in the Sparrowhawk Companion "The classical music of the eighteenth century little appealed to me before I began researching Sparrowhawk. But as I listened to more of it, in search of music that might move Jack and Hugh, and also to grasp the character of the best music of the period, I acquired a taste and found roles for much of what the period had to offer, including many "folk" melodies..."
Teresa Hermiz, a music teacher from Centerville, Ohio, wrote the following:
"Every year I give three lecture recitals in my piano studio. My students play the music that goes with the lecture. Three years ago I began a series on the Influence of Great Literature on Great Music and vise versa. I began it with the Sparrowhawk series and have just ended it with the same. This time the emphasis was on how Mr. Cline used the music in his character development. The heroism of Jack in 'See the Conquering Hero Comes', the defiance of Skelly in 'Rule Britannia', the promise of greatness Hugh felt when listening to the 'Music for the Royal Fireworks', Etain's serene confidence in Jack, her hero, Reverdy's admiration and passion for Hugh expressed in the lovely 'Christmas Cantata', the defiant independence of the colonials marching up Bunker Hill to the fifer's 'Yankee Doodle'.
"Millions of people throughout history and today are quite willing to surrender to a tyrant who promises to take care of them. What made the Americans different? That question is answered in the Sparrowhawk books. We need to know it if we are to reclaim our freedoms and independence today."
This is a copy of Teresa's recent program:
Sparrowhawk by Edward Cline L/R September 12, 2009
History from 1744 to 1775
Book 1: Jack Frake's certitude leads him to heroically resist tyranny
See the Conquering Hero Comes by Georg Friedrich Handel
See, the conquering hero comes!
Sound the trumpets, beat the drums.
Sports prepare, the laurel bring,
Songs of triumph to them sing.
Skelly and Redmange are heroic: they will never bow to tyranny
Rule Britannia by Thomas Arne
I, haughty tyrants ne’er shall tame
All their attempts to bend me down
Will but arouse my generous flame
But work their woe and my renown
Rule, Britannia! “This Briton will never be a slave.”
Book 2: Hugh Kenrick passionately defends freedom
Music from the Royal Fireworks by Georg Friedrich Handel
Book 4: Etain’s music inspires and comforts her heroes
Rights of Conscience - Shaker hymn
Book 5: Musical Celebration in honor of the heroes
Christmas Cantata by Alessandro Scarlatti
Echo Concerto by A. Vivaldi
Book 6: War against tyranny
Yankee Doodle - Anonymous
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Teresa Hermiz's program regarding literature and music was of great interest to me. I was Ms. Hermiz's student several decades ago. She is an independent thinker and he American people's trademark traits match hers well. --Maggie Abel
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