The Official Gilded Age Podcast: Season 2, Episode 5 - “Close Enough to Touch”

Release Date: November 27, 2023

In the fifth episode of Season 2 of The Official Gilded Age Podcast, hosts Alicia Malone and Tom Myers delve deep into the intricacies of the latest episode, “Close Enough to Touch.” Joined by Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar, co-executive producer and historical consultant, and Harry Gregson-Williams, one of the show’s composers, the trio unpacks the episode’s key storylines, historical contexts, and the evocative musical score that underscores the drama of the Gilded Age.

Episode Overview

The episode centers around pivotal moments that intertwine personal dramas with broader societal tensions. Key plotlines include:

• Ada's Engagement and Family Tensions: Ada Russell announces her engagement to Reverend Luke Forte, much to the dismay of her sister Agnes. Agnes’s vehement opposition culminates in a dramatic confrontation during the wedding, highlighting familial strife and societal expectations.

• Peggy's Visit to Tuskegee: Peggy visits Tuskegee alongside T. Thomas Fortune, leading to a harrowing encounter that underscores the racial tensions of the era. Their encounter with Mason Sturt, the county commissioner, exposes the dangers black individuals faced in the South.

• Bertha’s Dinner with the Duke: Bertha entertains the Duke of Buckingham in Newport, where Mrs. Winterton schemes to sabotage the event. Despite her efforts, Bertha’s poise and strategy ensure the dinner remains a success, reinforcing her status as a leading hostess.

Historical Insights with Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar

Dr. Dunbar provides a rich historical backdrop to the episode’s events, emphasizing the authenticity and depth the show brings to its portrayal of the 1880s.

• Agnes's Antagonism: Dr. Dunbar explains Agnes Russell’s role as a “buzzkill,” her resistance to Ada’s happiness, and the societal pressures that shape her behavior. “Agnes is such a buzzkill. And she's mean. Right. She tells Ada that she's a spinster and always will be. I mean, who does that?” (02:47).

• Wedding March Significance: The selection of Felix Mendelssohn’s Wedding March is rooted in its historical popularity following Queen Victoria’s daughter’s wedding in 1858, adding authenticity to Ada and Luke’s union. “The wedding March was written by Felix Mendelssohn in 1842 for his Midsummer Night’s Dream. It didn't become popular as a wedding March until the 1858 wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter Victoria to Prince Frederick Wilhelm of Prussia” (06:22).

• Peggy and T. Thomas Fortune’s Encounter: Highlighting the perilous realities for black individuals in the South, Dr. Dunbar underscores the historical significance of their confrontation with Mason Sturt. “It was a reminder that all of the kind of promise and hope that came with Reconstruction by 1882 were virtually gone” (30:03).

• Integration of Booker T. Washington: Introducing Booker T. Washington as a young, formative figure provides a nuanced view of black leadership and the differing strategies within the African American community. “Booker T. Washington... becomes the founder of what would become Tuskegee University. So what we had an opportunity to do is to think about him as someone who was developing over time” (26:37).

Musical Composition with Harry Gregson-Williams

Harry Gregson-Williams offers an in-depth look at the creation and significance of the episode's score, emphasizing how music amplifies the narrative’s emotional and dramatic beats.

• Volume and Variety of Cues: The episode features 43 music cues, ranging from subtle transitions to significant set pieces like the Duke’s dinner. “Episode 5 has 43 music starts and stops, so there are 43 music cues” (01:55).

• Character Themes: Each main character is assigned a unique musical theme, enhancing their narrative arcs. For instance, George Russell’s theme is distinguished by a bass clarinet to underscore his plotting nature. “George Russell is played by a bass clarinet. He is, yep, he surely is” (53:32).

• Thematic Juxtaposition: The score thoughtfully contrasts the tense, dangerous scenes of Peggy’s Southern encounter with the opulent, controlled environment of Bertha’s dinner, mirroring the episode’s thematic exploration of power and control. “These two men... are saying the same thing. They just have different methods” (35:05).

• Live Orchestra Recording: Emphasizing the production’s commitment to quality, Harry notes that all music is conducted in front of a full live orchestra, akin to a film score rather than traditional TV scoring. “All of the music is conducted in front of a full live orchestra. It’s scored like a film rather than a TV show” (54:56).

Key Quotes

• Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar on Agnes’s Behavior:
  “Agnes is such a buzzkill. And she's mean. Right. She tells Ada that she's a spinster and always will be. I mean, who does that?” (02:47)

• Harry Gregson-Williams on George Russell’s Theme:
  “George Russell is played by a bass clarinet. He is, yep, he surely is” (53:32)

• Dr. Dunbar on the Historical States of the South:
  “It was a reminder that all of the kind of promise and hope that came with Reconstruction by 1882 were virtually gone” (30:03)

• Musical Approach to Danger and Drama:
  “The way that the dinner with Peggy and T. Thomas Fortune cuts directly with the big, fancy Duke's dinner with Bertha. It was written and shot and directed beautifully, that it shows us two worlds” (33:24)

Conclusion

“Close Enough to Touch” masterfully intertwines personal narratives with the broader socio-political landscape of the Gilded Age. Through insightful discussions with Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Harry Gregson-Williams, The Official Gilded Age Podcast offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the episode's depth, both in historical accuracy and artistic expression. The episode not only advances the characters' arcs but also serves as a poignant reflection on the enduring complexities of power, race, and resilience in American history.

Listeners are encouraged to watch the episode on Max and subscribe to the podcast for more behind-the-scenes insights and exclusive content.