In the episode Lost and Found, Christy analyzes her feelings for David, as well as the overall emotional atmosphere of those in the cove. “Was it the full moon? His beautiful eyes? Was this how the mountain children, John and Bessie felt? A strange mix of loneliness and longing, and hope.” I think as a series Christy displays these feelings throughout most of the episodes. It was my hope to evoke more of these feelings into a video for everyone. I chose the piano composition Gymnopédies No. 1 by Erik Satie. It was first published in 1888. As long ago as that seems it was 21 years before the original Christy, Leonora, came to East Tennessee. Dare I not forget that Christy received a piano donation in the episode Judgment Day.
The sound of Gymnopédies is simple, slow, and flowing. It’s a time period piece that works well intertwining with the show. I knew fast action scenes or really any sudden motion clips for that matter wouldn’t compliment the music. Contemplating and reflection is really seen as more static. Those who live and visit the Appalachian mountains, I believe, often have these feelings that Christy talked about. From sunrise to sunset, mountain ridge to river, lingering fog to mist, drab to colorful and sunny to dreary. If you’re a pianist or even curious, download the sheet music here: Gymnopédies No. 1. Here’s a video of love, loneliness, longing and hope.
