Jane Austen’s love of music—and why it matters | Kirstine Moffat | TEDxUniversity of Waikato

Jane Austen, the Musician: A Detailed Exploration

Key Concepts:

• Jane Austen’s Musicality: Austen was an amateur pianist and composer, deeply engaged with music throughout her life.
• Music as Emotional Expression: The power of music to convey and explore complex emotions, particularly in Austen’s novels and personal life.
• Regency Parlour Music: The types of music popular and played in homes during Austen’s time.
• Amateurism & Joyful Practice: The value of pursuing hobbies and passions for personal fulfillment, regardless of professional skill.
• Music as Social Connection: The role of music in family life and social gatherings during the Regency era.

I. Introduction: Beyond the Novelist

The presentation begins by establishing Jane Austen’s renown as a novelist – author of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility – acknowledging her cultural presence through references like Colin Firth’s portrayal of Mr. Darcy and the famous opening line of Pride and Prejudice ("It is a truth universally acknowledged…"). However, the core focus shifts to a lesser-known facet of her life: her deep and abiding love for music. The speaker aims to present Austen as a “very human, multi-dimensional figure” by exploring her musical talent, moving beyond the “literary pedestal.” The year 2025, marking the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth, provides the context for this renewed exploration.

II. Austen’s Daily Life with Music

Austen’s musical practice was integrated into her daily routine. She would rise early to play the piano, before family duties began at 9:00 AM, ensuring she wouldn’t disturb others with the quieter pianos of the era. Despite a modest annual allowance (never exceeding 20 guineas), she prioritized saving to contribute to the purchase of a piano after her father’s death. A letter to her sister Cassandra in 1808 reveals her determination: “Yes, yes, we will have a piano forte as good a one as can be got for 30 guineies, and I shall practice country dances to amuse our nieces and nephews.” This demonstrates her commitment to music as both a personal pleasure and a source of joy for others. Her nephew, James, noted her “sweet voice” and habit of singing while accompanying herself on the piano.

III. Personal Connections Embedded in Music

Austen’s musical choices were often linked to personal relationships. She altered the lyrics of the song “Soldiers Adieu” to “Sailor Adieu” in honor of her two naval brothers. The song “The Irishman” is speculated to have been a gift from Tom Leafroy, a man with whom she shared a flirtation in 1796, and its lyrics celebrate Irish men. These examples highlight how music served as a vehicle for expressing and remembering personal connections.

IV. Austen’s Music Collection: A Window into the Regency Soundscape

Austen meticulously copied music by hand due to financial constraints, creating extensive music books that are “as easy to read as print” according to her niece Caroline. Her collection included works by established composers like Handel and Haydn, but also featured lesser-known figures such as Abby Sturkl, William Shield, and Harriet Abrams. This collection provides valuable insight into the musical landscape of the Regency period.

V. Musical Illustrations: A Medley of Regency Pieces

The speaker performed a medley of three pieces to evoke Austen’s musical world:

• Minuet by Ignaz Pleyel: Representing Austen’s solitary morning practice, characterized by order, simplicity, and a sense of calm.
• Country Dance, “The Flowers of Edinburgh”: Illustrating the sociable side of Austen, playing for her nieces and nephews, creating a lively and rhythmic atmosphere.
• Finale of “The Dying Christian to his Soul”: Reflecting the family-oriented aspect of Austen’s life, providing evening entertainment with a grand and triumphant piece expressing faith.

VI. The Significance of Amateurism and Authentic Expression

The speaker emphasizes that Austen’s value in music wasn’t rooted in technical perfection or professional ambition. She criticizes characters in her novels, like Mary Crawford and Mary Bennett, who played for show or as part of a courtship strategy. Austen valued genuine expression and the joy of playing for its own sake. She draws a parallel to the character of Anne Elliot in Persuasion, who finds solace and escape in music despite personal hardship. As the speaker states, “What mattered to Austin was playing because it meant something, allowing a feeling or a thought to be expressed and understood like me.” This highlights the importance of pursuing passions for personal fulfillment, regardless of skill level.

VII. A Call to Embrace Joyful Pursuits

The presentation concludes with a call to action, encouraging the audience to embrace their own passions – whether music, dance, painting, gardening, or any other activity – “boldly play, sing, dance, sew, plant that rose bush, swing that golf club for the sheer joy of it, for the meaning and the purpose it gives to our lives.” Austen’s example serves as an inspiration for prioritizing activities that bring joy and meaning.

VIII. Final Musical Offering & Reflection

The speaker concludes with two final pieces:

• “I Have a Silent Sorrow”: A melancholy song evoking heartbreak, potentially resonating with Anne Elliot’s longing for Captain Wentworth or Austen’s own reflections on Tom Leafroy.
• Adagio from Haydn’s Sonata in C: A contemplative and uplifting piece, intended to transport the audience to Austen’s solitary morning piano sessions and the power of music to express yearning and joy.

Notable Quotes:

• “For me, the pianoforte speaks of Jane in various keys, tones, and expressions. Be it a country dance or a lesson, a wall or a sonata, she is its constant theme.” – Speaker, referencing Austen’s niece Caroline.
• “Yes, yes, we will have a piano forte as good a one as can be got for 30 guineies, and I shall practice country dances to amuse our nieces and nephews.” – Jane Austen, in a letter to her sister Cassandra (1808).
• “What mattered to Austin was playing because it meant something, allowing a feeling or a thought to be expressed and understood like me.” – Speaker.

Technical Terms:

• Pianoforte: An early name for the piano.
• Guineas: A former British gold coin.
• Minuet: A slow, stately dance popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Country Dance: A lively folk dance popular in the Regency era.
• Sonata: A musical composition, typically in three or four movements.
• Adagio: A slow tempo marking.

Conclusion:

This presentation successfully illuminates a frequently overlooked aspect of Jane Austen’s life – her profound connection to music. By combining biographical details, musical examples, and insightful analysis, the speaker demonstrates how music was integral to Austen’s daily life, personal relationships, and artistic sensibility. The presentation’s central argument – that Austen’s amateur musical practice offers a valuable lesson about the importance of pursuing joyful passions – resonates deeply, encouraging audiences to prioritize activities that bring meaning and fulfillment to their own lives. The use of musical performance throughout the presentation effectively transports the audience to Austen’s world, fostering a deeper appreciation for her multifaceted personality and enduring legacy.