Songs without Words Op. 19 No. 1
Scene: Huck spends three peaceful days on Jackson’s Island. He relaxes as much as he wants, and has an unlimited supply of fish and berries. On the fourth day, he runs into Jim, a runaway slave, and the two strike up a friendship (chapter 8)
Connection: This is a beautifully serene song. The right and left hand work together to create flowing arpeggios, while a song-like melody floats above. It correlates well to the romantic, idealized scene in chapter 8, where Huck finds a safe haven with an plentiful food supply and makes a new friend.
The Wild Rider
Scene: To escape his father, Huck creates a murder scene to make it look like robbers broke into the cabin and killed him. He runs away to Jackson’s Island with a canoe full of supplies. (chapter 7)
Connection: Huck needs to act quickly and disappear before his father returns to the cabin. Rapid staccato notes create a sense of urgency and anticipation throughout the song. The song also has an adventurous feel to it. Now that Huck has run away, his adventure has really began.
Piano Sonata in C minor K. 457
Scene: Huck’s alcoholic, abusive father comes back to town. He is angry at Huck for supposedly trying to be better than him by getting an education, and demands that Huck get him money for drinks. He treats Huck badly, and kidnaps Huck to a cabin in the woods (chapters 4-6)
Connection: Only two of Mozart’s collection of piano sonatas are in minor keys, but they are especially dark. After the assertive introduction, the descending chromatic scale in the right hand foreshadows further turbulence. Huck’s father is the one dark spot of his otherwise carefree life. His presence foreshadows future problems for Huck.
“Rondo” from Piano Sonata in C major K. 545
Scene: Tom Sawyer, Huck’s best friend forms a band of robbers. He names the group “Tom Sawyer’s Gang”, and makes all the boys take a blood oath to join. They do a variety of imaginary activities together. (chapters 2-3)
Connection: This “Rondo” captures Tom Sawyer’s character. It has a mix of bouts of playful energy and shortly lived serious moments. Just as Tom always using literary classics as his guide, the Rondo always returns back to theme.
South Side Stomp
Scene: Huck is an lively, free-spirited boy. He loves his freedom, and wants to live adventurously by his - and only his - rules. Huck is miserable while living with Widow Douglas and having to follow her rules. (chapter 1)
Connection: Huck longs for freedom. Jazz is a musical style loved for its freedom of expression. This song has an energetic, slightly rowdy tempo, a fun swing style, and thrill-seeking runs.