History's Greatest Love Affairs

Bess and Harry Houdini

Texas Music Forge — Tue, 5 December 2006 9:02 -0600

Behind the phenomenal escapes, the magic, the world tours and the most-publicized man in the early 20th century lies the story of a pair of young carnies struggling to escape poverty. Meet this fascinating pair.

The Myrtle Is Hidden: Esther and Ahasueras

Texas Music Forge — Wed, 1 November 2006 9:02 -0600

A story from the Old Testament's Book of Esther is equal parts love, blood and perfidy. Includes the song "The Myrtle Is Hidden."

Through the Storm: Ansel and Addie Easton

Texas Music Forge — Tue, 3 October 2006 9:02 -0600

One of the most storied shipwrecks in American history is the backdrop for this story of love and survival.

The Washingtons: George and Martha

Texas Music Forge — Tue, 1 September 2006 9:02 -0600

The very real human beings behind the mythology of America's First Family come to life. You will never look at the dour figure on the dollar bill the same way again.

The Song of Solomon

Texas Music Forge — Tue, 1 August 2006 9:02 -0600

The beautiful love poetry of the Old Testament's Song of Songs is brought to life as a cycle of five songs with lively male and female narration.

This production includes the use of musical instruments Solomon would have heard in his court.

Pierre and Marie

Texas Music Forge — Mon, 3 July 2006 9:02 -0600

Pierre and Marie Curie were much more than Nobel Prize-winning scientists, they were partners in one of historys most equitable love affairs. Their shared passion for science in the betterment of the human condition was reflected in the respect they showed for each other.

This production quotes from the diaries and journals of both Pierre and Marie Curie.

Alexander and Hephaestion

Texas Music Forge — Thu, 1 June 2006 9:02 -0600

Alexander the Great is known to many as a military genius, lawgiver and icon even 2,300 years after his death. Many, however, are unaware that he was half of one of antiquity's most celebrated love affairs. In this episode, we look at the human and personal side of Alexander the god king.

This production quotes from the writing of Plutarch.

Victoria and Albert

Texas Music Forge — Mon, 1 May 2006 9:02 -0600

Ascending the throne of the British Empire at age 18, Victoria was heir to much of the world's surface. She found her soul mate in the man who would be her Prince Consort, Albert. Conservative and reticent in public, their private life was marked by a passion and devotion which helped define an era. After Albert's untimely death while holding her hand, the Queen had his rooms preserved as he left them, including having hot shaving water delivered to his rooms every morning for 40 years just as it had been while he was alive. A fascinating story of surprising depth and passion.

This production quotes from both Albert and Victoria's correspondence and diaries and features Melinda Kliman in the role of Queen Victoria.

Conqueror

Texas Music Forge — Sat, 1 Apr 2006 9:02 -0600

Napoleon Bonaparte's conquests in bedroom and battlefield have alternately titillated and terrorized 18th Century Europe. A chance encounter with young Marie Walewska captures Bonaparte's ravenous interest and attention, a fact which produces tremendous pressure on Marie from Polish nationalists seeking the Emperor's army as a shield for Poland against invaders. Marie, acting out of patriotism, soon finds herself deeply in love with Napoleon..

Often dismissed as another of Bonaparte's conquests, she was unquestionably the most faithful and true woman in his life and her haunting bequest of blood and fidelity to the former Emperor of the French must have occupied his last thoughts in exile..

This production quotes from surviving correspondence between the two and features a music score composed by Scarlatti and modified for this presentation.

Thy Lips To Kiss (Sonnet 128)

Texas Music Forge — Wed, 1 Jan 2006 18:03:37 -0600

William Shakespeare wrote some of the most expressive love poetry in the English language. This month, we focus on his work by interpreting one of his most beautiful sonnets, the 128th.

Sonnets were a form of social amusement for educated young people in the 16th century. The form contained 14 lines in three groups of 4 lines each and a couplet of the last two lines, which functioned much like a chorus does in a modern pop song by summarizing the verses..

We can almost look over Shakespeare's shoulder as he describes the sensuous movements of his lover's hands on the lute she is playing for him by candlelight. For more of Shakespeare's sonnets set to music, visit www.TexasMusicForge.com for February's issue.

The Return of the King

Texas Music Forge — Wed, 1 Jan 2006 18:03:37 -0600

Part three in the story of Ulysses (sometimes called Odysseus) and Penelope, this program picks up the thread of their story from the preceding program, Penelope Waiting.

Ulysses has returned home after a 20 year absence to find Penelope - and his throne - besieged. Penelope allows a disguised Ulysses a place in her court, which allows him to observe everyone's conduct. Drawn to the stranger, Penelope anguishes about Ulysses' absence and shares her distaste for the suitors she must choose among.

With an introduction by Tennyson and words by Homer, this production chronicles an absorbing story of two people trapped by the events of the time and somehow finding each other again.

Penelope Waiting

Texas Music Forge — Wed, 2 Mar 2005 18:03:37 -0600

Part two in the story of Ulysses (sometimes called Odysseus) and Penelope, this program picks up the thread of their story from the preceding program, Ulysses On The Ocean.

Ulysses has returned home after a 20 year absence to find Penelope - and his throne - besieged. Penelope allows a disguised Ulysses a place in her court, which allows him to observe everyone's conduct. Drawn to the stranger, Penelope anguishes about Ulysses' absence and shares her distaste for the suitors she must choose among.

With an introduction by Tennyson and words by Homer, this production chronicles an absorbing story of two people trapped by the events of the time and somehow finding each other again.

Ulysses On The Ocean

Tio Ed — Sat, 19 Feb 2005 12:31:23 -0600

Ulysses (also called Odysseus) has been absent from home for 10 years fighting in the Trojan War, then forced to wander by the gods for another 10 years. His wife, Penelope, must hold the kingdom for him, keep herself and their son alive amidst intrigue and outwit her tormentors in a tale that is as relevant now as it was almost 3,000 years ago.

With memorable and striking original music, this production also borrows liberally from the words of Homer in both the Iliad and the Odyssey to bring one of history's greatest affairs to life.

Abelard & Heloise

Tio Ed — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 14:28:01 -0600

The story of Abelard and Heloise includes a forbidden love, a brutal and bloody assault by enraged family members that became the talk of 12th Century Europe, tragedy and ultimate redemption. Find out why their story has inspired so much art, adulation and controversy over the centuries.